One of the biggest events in the Netherlands, the Holland Festival is a fantastic arts event that takes place at venues throughout Amsterdam.

Around 80,000 people flock to the city to soak up some culture from a huge range of performances at concert halls and theatres all over the area.

Opera, dance, music and theatre entertain the crowds with around 80 performances during the three-week long festival.

There is also now a more modern twist on the performing arts event which has taken place in the city since 1947, with some shows featuring media and visual arts.

Beginning on May 31st, the celebration runs until June 22nd and features performances including a version of Samuel Beckett's Happy Days, a trilogy of Chinese operas, a tribute to Moliere and dance from the Forsythe Company.

Other events in Amsterdam in May include the five-day modern art fair spectacular Art Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Literary Festival.