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Creatures of Castlefest: Lieke & Marcel

In Creatures of Castlefest we want to put the wondrous creatures, that are part of the world of Castlefest, in the spotlight. From visitor to entertainer, from exhibitor to volunteer. What moves them and which role does Castlefest play in their lives? This week: Lieke and Marcel. They are Castlefest regulars for a couple of years and talked with us about their experiences and selfmade costumes. 

Lieke: A friend of mine did an internship at Keukenhof Castle a few years ago, she asked me to help her hand out flyers at an event: Castlefest. I had never heard of it, but I agreed to help her. I went to take a look at the festival and I was sold right away. A few editions later I dragged Marcel along. I was sure he would love it and luckily I was right.

Over time our costumes became more extensive and since two years we try to make something ourselves. What we are wearing today is partly self-made, partly purchased and I have also adjusted things from existing pieces into the costume. We have painted and glued the skulls ourselves and Marcel has crafted the armour himself. We complement each other well: I come up with the costume concepts and Marcel knows handy and practical ways to work it out. If people ask about our costume, we will be happy to explain how we make it.

In terms of costume, we usually go for a darker theme. That way we don't need something new every year, but we build on what we already have. Our teeth, for example, are a new addition. We may be a little too scary for children, but fortunately most can handle something. It's not just a costume for us, but we really do make a role around it. Where do these creatures come from, what are their names ... Marcel: do they eat little children?! Lieke laughs: these characters are named Crovax and Circe. And when it becomes too much to walk around in a costume, we dress down again. Wearing a costume is for the fun, but when we get uncomfortable, or in the case of Castlefest Winter Edition too cold. I take off my claws and put on normal gloves, I take the teeth out, for example. After all, comfort goes before the look.

The entire creative process is the best. Our dining table is always full of a new project that we have come up with!

We met each other through the metal scene. So Castlefest is quite different compared to it. In terms of books and series, we both love the fantasy genre. Our entire house is also full of dragons, but we didn't know the festival until my friend told me about it. Now we can’t stop coming back. For example, we have just finished a three-hour walk around the terrain. A hug here, talk there, look at a booth, another chat. And just when you think you can continue the walk, you will meet someone nice again. That's the best: Castlefest is cosy. No matter how big it is, it still feels small.

Marcel adds: Castlefest is coming home. Our village in the forest. The more often you visit, the more people you get to know and the more it becomes a family. We also have a kind of base camp. A fixed group of people with whom we meet a lot or where we can store our things. But we also have a great time with the two of us.

What touched me so much when I first walked in was the magic in the eyes of the children. Happy children everywhere. How they can immerse themselves completely with the costumes of everyone and themselves, and how the magic of Castlefest really comes to life to the children. That’s when I also knew that I wanted to visit the festival in a costume, so that I can add to the magic of those children like the others in outfit. That they look at you in amazement like “wow”. Laughing: although with us it is often more a "Waah!" They also stir each other up, who dares to come closest? I was chased into the tree by a four year old with a rubber dagger last year. If they dare to challenge you to a fight, you let them win. That is fantasy for everyone.

Article and photo by: Dewi van Zeggelaar

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