Le Guess Who? - Code of Conduct & House Rules
Code of Conduct
Le Guess who? is a playground for discovery and exploration, changing minds through music and connecting communities worldwide through the power of sound.
We expect everyone who is affiliated with Le Guess Who? to respect our Code of Conduct. This includes our visitors, venues, artists, crew members, volunteers, security, photo/videographers and all other partners.
Social safety, inclusivity and equity are indispensable for our infrastructure, our international audience, team and art. Passion for music and curiosity is what unites us. Within this union we blur boundaries in art, but not in morals. Therefore it is vital to assert our core values:
Discovery: At the heart of Le Guess Who? is discovery: the act of seeing, finding and gaining knowledge of something previously unknown. Whether it’s discovering new sounds, making new connections with people, or discovering the city of Utrecht: be open, curious and respectful.
Inspiration: From the discoveries you make, we hope you gain new insights, new ideas, new creativity and new ways of looking at the world around you.
Challenge: For us, inspiration and challenge go hand-in-hand. We invite artists who challenge themselves, challenge the conventional understanding of genres and challenge the audience to explore new ways of listening and offer new perspectives on the world around us.
Togetherness: We strive to build a community with listeners and creatives who are open, interested and curious for new sounds and new connections. Together, we create a celebration of sound. We are all part of Le Guess Who? and only together can we strive towards a safer space for all.
Integrity: Integrity guides us to act with honesty, fairness and respect at all times.
We’re here for you
Your safety and comfort are our priority. If you feel unwell or offended, see something that concerns you or if you need assistance, please speak with our festival or venue staff members. Besides our own crew, a Social Safety Team & Hub is located in TivoliVredenburg on the first floor. They are there to welcome you when you feel unwell or have experienced any form of harassment or discrimination — no issue is too small to address. Here you can also make (anonymous) reports of incidents you have experienced with either visitors or staff. Our crew can direct you to the Social Safety Team & Hub at any given time.
We understand that it is not always easy or possible to report an incident in the moment itself. If you want to share your experience after the festival, we encourage you to contact us via support@leguesswho.com. You will always receive an answer within a week.
Le Guess Who? will receive and incorporate (un)solicited advice from the Social Safety Team regarding the reported incidents. We hereby make sure one’s anonymity is protected at all times.
House Rules
Please note that the House Rules below are mandatory for all festival guests.
In case of infringement, the organization of Le Guess Who? reserves the right to deny further festival access.
Respect and connection
At Le Guess Who?, everyone is welcome. The festival is a space to celebrate diversity and mutual respect. Together, we create an environment where everyone feels safe, supported and free to be themselves.
Le Guess Who? executes a zero-tolerance policy regarding any type of sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, islamophobia, antisemitism, ageism and ableism.
Freedom of expression
We hold freedom of expression in high regard and therefore will do everything in our power to facilitate a harassment-free zone for all.
Trust and respect the team
Please respect our festival, the artists, venues, our volunteers, staff, the inhabitants of Utrecht and your fellow festival visitors. Treat them with the respect they deserve and follow their instructions. They are here to help and support you. We are all in this together.
Consent and boundaries
Respect each other’s boundaries and always ask for consent before engaging in any physical or intimate contact. Honor the responses you receive and be mindful of yourself and those around you. Any unwanted physical, verbal or sexual contact will not be tolerated.
Physical abuse or intimidation of any kind will always result in removal from the festival site without the possibility of return or restitution.
We do not tolerate any type of sexual harassment and intimidation. Other than the consequences stated above, Le Guess Who? will always stand by the victims of these incidents, thereby delivering the appropriate (after)care.
Entrance
Le Guess Who? is only accessible with a valid wristband, unless otherwise noted.
Age restrictions
Children up to 12 years old are welcome to accompany their parents/guardians free of charge. We strongly advise that children under the age of 16 visit Le Guess Who? under supervision of their parents/guardians.
Please note that there is an exception for two night locations: WAS. is a 21+ venue, and De Helling is an 18+ venue.
Drugs
Drugs are not permitted in any of the Le Guess Who? venues.
Weapons
Weapons and sharp objects are not allowed at the festival.
Pets
Pets are not permitted at the festival. For more information about assistance dogs, please take a look at our Accessibility page.
Bags
Please note that all festival venues are allowed to check bags upon arrival at the venue. This will be for safety reasons only.
Food & Drinks
We politely request that festival visitors refrain from bringing their own food and/or drinks into the festival venues. Nearly every venue hosts a bar, and there are different food stalls at TivoliVredenburg.
Alcohol
Alcohol will only be served to visitors who are 18 years+. Bar staff are permitted to request identification.
Smoking
As per Dutch Law, smoking in public buildings is not allowed. Smoking is only permitted outside. Please note: the selling of tobacco is only permitted in special tobacco shops.
Sound & lights
It is important to note that some concerts may be quite loud. Watching these performances, as well as providing earplugs, is the visitor’s personal responsibility. Please take care of your ears and use earplugs during performances. Some venues offer them for purchase, including TivoliVredenburg, EKKO and De Helling.
Some artists use strobe lights. If we know beforehand, we will communicate about this with notifications at the venue doors. Please note that not all artists inform us beforehand about the use of strobe lights.
In "The Pit" in TivoliVredenburg, the festival heart and main venue of Le Guess Who?, there is a low-stimulus space where you can take a moment to rest. The Pit is located on the 8th floor. Take the stairs from Park 6 to the 8th floor and then go right.
Photo/Video/Audio
The use of professional photo, video or audio equipment is prohibited, unless you have been given permission by the festival team and possess proper accreditation.
Photo and video crew may be present during the festival. More info can be found in our privacy statement.
Photography: Tim van Veen