Noorderslag started out as a single festival night in De Oosterpoort with the best and most promising Dutch acts. Nine years ago EuroSonic was added as was the presentation of the important Dutch pop and rock music award De Popprijs. Noorderslag Weekend has now turned into a full-blown three-day event. During these three days in January, Groningen is the epicentre of the European music scene when 180 bands and 1800 professionals get together for the prime European showcase and network event.