The fifth edition of 3FM went to Breda, at the Grote Markt. By now, a lot of major cities requested 3FM, the biggest radio station in The Netherlands, to host the event in their city, since it attracts many visitors who come to the city to support Serious Request, to donate to the Red Cross charity fund and to request songs to be played on the radio. The Dutch government participated again and promised to fund 2.5 Million euro's as a start.
The charity cause in 2008 were the help of refugees worldwide. All over the world people are driven from their homes, fleeing the horrible consequences of wars and conflict. The theme 'Een vluchteling is nergens zonder jouw hulp', translated as 'A refugee is nowhere without your help' seems to be an ever-growing problem. Maybe it's as relevant today, in 2017, than it was back then. We still have much to learn as humanity, I guess, another reason to support the 3FM Serious Request cause this year!
The selection process for choosing the DJ's who would be locked up for a week, was completely different this time. There was no election, but during the weeks prior to the event, DJ's were kidnapped, their keys were taken from them, they couldn't go home but had to live like a refugee, without money, without a home for 24 hours. They had to find shelter in a tent from the Red Cross and get back to host their own radio shows in time. The three DJ's were Coen Swijnenberg, Giel Beelen and Paul Rabbering
The total amount funded in 2008 was € 5.637.937,-, including the 2.5 million euro's as promised by the Dutch government. Many musicians visited the glass house in Breda in 2008, including the famous Milow and the well-known trance DJ Armin van Buuren!
The theme song in 2007 for Serious Request was as decided by 3FM Waiting so Long, by Novastar. But another song was requested the most: Verliefdheid, by Jordy van Loon.