For everyone behind the scenes
Confidential Counselor
for Festivals
A safe place to talk, reflect and catch your breath
Hi, I'm Nanna. I've been working in the festival world for years — as a communications manager, art director and DJ manager. I know the intensity: long days, breathtaking highs, but also moments when you're not sure where to turn.
As an external confidential counselor I'm here for everyone working at a festival: crew, volunteers and artists. You don't have to carry something alone. I listen, without judgement, and together we figure out what you need.
Not sure if I'm the right person? Just reach out. No question is too small.
My role
What does a confidential counselor do at a festival?
A confidential counselor is an independent, listening ear for everyone working at a festival. You can come to me with anything connected to your work — from a nagging feeling to a serious concern. Together we'll look at what you need, without rushing and without a preset plan.
Listening & support
Sometimes it's enough just to share your story. I listen, without judging or rushing to fix things.
Safe & trusted
Everything you share stays between us. You decide what happens with your story. Always.
Finding the way together
I help you explore options, but the choice is always yours. No pressure, no expectations.
When?
When can you reach out?
Festivals are magical, but also intense. Long days, short nights, temporary teams, high stakes. It's human to feel weighed down sometimes. Here are situations you might come to me with — but this is not a complete list. You are always welcome, even if you can't quite name what you're feeling.
Safety & wellbeing
You feel unsafe, uncomfortable or overwhelmed. Or you're worried about someone else on the team.
Work atmosphere & tensions
Something is off in a team, with a manager or between colleagues. Sometimes after one long day, sometimes after weeks.
Transgressive behaviour
Harassment, bullying, discrimination or unwanted behaviour — from colleagues, managers or external contacts.
Integrity concerns
You see something that doesn't feel right and don't know what to do with it. You're worried about others' safety.
Just need a pause
The pressure is high, the days are long and your head is full. Sometimes a conversation is simply a moment of breathing space.
Good to know: I don't handle employment matters such as salary, contracts or task allocation. For those, please contact festival management or HR. For everything else — even if you can't put it into words — I'm here.
Confidential means confidential
Everything you share with me stays between us. I won't tell anyone what you've said, unless you explicitly ask me to. You are in control.
There are only very specific exceptions, such as a direct threat to safety, legal obligations or serious conflicts of conscience. Even then, I'll discuss with you first what might be possible.
You don't need to have a "big problem" to reach out. Sometimes a conversation is simply a way to clear your head, reflect and feel supported. That is more than enough.
For who?
Everyone working at the festival is welcome
Festival crew
Technicians, production, hospitality, security, stagehands — everyone who keeps the festival running.
Volunteers
You are the beating heart of the festival. A confidential ear is here for you too.
Artists
The travel, the pressure, the intense collaboration. I understand the unique dynamic of life on the road.
Please note: I am not the confidential counselor for visitors. Festivals usually have a separate welfare area or reporting point for the public. This page is specifically for everyone working behind the scenes.
About me
A little about me
I'm Nanna, born in Brabant but by now a fully-grown Amsterdammer. I've been working in the festival world for years — as an organiser, communications manager, art director and DJ manager. I know the energy, the creativity and the pressure that come with creating unforgettable events.
I know how it feels to run on adrenaline for days, to work with people you've just met that week, and to have to process everything afterwards while already looking ahead to the next project.
I also run a practice as a relationship coach. Listening carefully, asking the right questions and creating a safe space — that's deeply ingrained in me. I'm here for you, without judgement, without protocol. Simply as a human being.
Years of festival experience
From production to artist liaison. I speak the language of crew and artists alike.
On-site during the festival
No remote office, no waiting time. A single message is enough to reach me.
Attention to the human side
Behind every lineup and every rig is a person. That person deserves to be seen.
Contact
How can you reach me?
During the year: Monday to Friday during office hours via phone, WhatsApp and email. I respond within 24 hours on working days.
During festivals: I'm available every afternoon for a walk, a conversation or a confidential check-in. Even if you just need to get something off your chest between sets.
You can always send me a message — even if you're not sure I'm the right person. No question is too small, no conversation is for nothing.
Name
Nanna Lodewijkx
External Confidential Counselor for Festivals
Phone
+31 6 17 456 194Not sure what to say? You don't need to be. Send a message and we'll figure it out together.