As late October approaches two of Amsterdam�s most exciting 2009 events � Halloween and Holland�s annual beer festival � are looming. Between Friday 30 October and Sunday 1 November 2009 the PINT Bokbierfestival takes place at Amsterdam�s Beurs van Berlage building, showcasing the fine Dutch art of beer-making. The event will offer over 12,000 beer enthusiasts the chance to enjoy a variety of premium local brews, including 50 varieties of the dark coloured seasonal Bock beer, and pan-European brews as well as live musical entertainment. Entry from 8 euros per person (iamsterdam.com/en). The same weekend, on 31 October, Boom Chicago's ninth annual Halloween extravaganza takes place at Amsterdam�s Leidseplein Theater. Certain to send even the most die-hard horror fanatics� pulses racing, the 2009 �Bash and Slash� event will offer a knockout DJ line-up and 500 euros� worth of prizes for the best costumes. This year�s event will be turned into a film, with B-grade special effects. Tickets from 18.50 euros in advance (boomchicago.nl/en). The most direct route to Holland from southern England is with leading ferry operator Stena Line, which offers twice-daily six-hour crossings from Harwich to the Hook of Holland. From the Hook of Holland Amsterdam is only an hour�s drive away. Fares start from just �49 one-way for a driver and car, plus �11 per additional adult. Cabins for overnight crossings start from �18 per person one-way, based on two sharing. To make a booking visit stenaline.co.uk, call Stena Line on 08705 70 70 70, or visit your local travel agent -Ends-

Notes to editors: Every year more than 200,000 people cross the North Sea to Holland with Stena Line, the largest ferry operator in Europe and one of the largest in the world. In the UK alone Stena Line, which operates Europe�s most comprehensive route networks, offers two daily crossings on its Harwich to Hook of Holland route as well as over 30 daily crossings on its five different routes to Ireland (Stranraer to Belfast, Fleetwood to Larne, Holyhead to Dublin, Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire and Fishguard to Rosslare) providing fast and efficient crossings with excellent onboard services and facilities. For further press information please contact: Richard Rigby and Daniela Marchesi , bgb tel: 020 7902 2990 email: initialandsurname@bgb.co.uk