Hundreds of sirens on police cars, fire engines and ambulances will sound across Amsterdam on Friday afternoon as the annual Kinderbeestfeest charity event takes place.

In total, 300 vehicles will wind their way through the city in convoy, sirens blazing, as they take over 1,000 children with disabilities or chronic health problems to a party at the city’s zoo.

The first ‘children’s beast feast’ took place in 2000 and it has happened every year since then, apart from during the coronavirus pandemic. In total, 5,000 children, family members and carers are expected to attend the party, which starts in the late afternoon.

Several roads around the zoo will be closed from 4 pm to 11 pm while the event takes place and tram 14 will be rerouted. There are also parking restrictions in force.