Events 2008
The events highlighted below comprise the top most popular festivals, processions and happenings that take place either yearly or on a regular basis throughout Flanders. For details on events beyond 2008 go to Future Events. For exhibition information see the Exhibitions page or for a quick reference guide to "What's On" in Flanders go to the Events page.
If you still are unable to find specific dates of an event that you are looking for, then please contact trade@visitflanders.co.uk
March
Ostend Dead Rat Ball
1 March 2008
Held every year at the Ostend Casino on the first Saturday of the month. Some 2,500 visitors from home and abroad enjoy a themed party evening which was originally created by James Ensor over 100 years ago. Group tickets start from €25 per person and can be purchased via Tourism Ostend. Why not ask for a meal package to be arranged for a totally enjoyable evening. Contact: 0032 59 70 11 99, email: groepen@toerisme-oostende.be, web: www.ratmort.be/bal/
1 March 2008
Held every year at the Ostend Casino on the first Saturday of the month. Some 2,500 visitors from home and abroad enjoy a themed party evening which was originally created by James Ensor over 100 years ago. Group tickets start from €25 per person and can be purchased via Tourism Ostend. Why not ask for a meal package to be arranged for a totally enjoyable evening. Contact: 0032 59 70 11 99, email: groepen@toerisme-oostende.be, web: www.ratmort.be/bal/
April
Mechelen Hanswijk Procession
27 April 2008
The legend of this annual procession venerating Our Lady of Hanswijk, came about when Mary’s intercession, in 1272, freed the city of the plague. The people of Mechelen then promised to carry the figure of Mary through the streets every year as an expression of their gratitude. This popular procession has since become an intriguing and colourful, large-scale spectacle. Tickets are available from 2nd April by calling 0032 15 20 22 94, or as of 21 April, by calling the ‘Hanswijk’ main office 00 32 15 42 01 40, or by email: frieda.vanvaeck@catho.kerknet.be. Seat prices for groups (min. 20 persons): €5 & €4 for stand seats and €3 for chairs. Web: www.hanswijkprocessie.org
27 April 2008
The legend of this annual procession venerating Our Lady of Hanswijk, came about when Mary’s intercession, in 1272, freed the city of the plague. The people of Mechelen then promised to carry the figure of Mary through the streets every year as an expression of their gratitude. This popular procession has since become an intriguing and colourful, large-scale spectacle. Tickets are available from 2nd April by calling 0032 15 20 22 94, or as of 21 April, by calling the ‘Hanswijk’ main office 00 32 15 42 01 40, or by email: frieda.vanvaeck@catho.kerknet.be. Seat prices for groups (min. 20 persons): €5 & €4 for stand seats and €3 for chairs. Web: www.hanswijkprocessie.org
May
Bruges Procession of the Holy Blood
1 May 2008
1 May 2008
Held on Ascension Day since 1970, this procession illustrates scenes from the Old and New Testaments in a style that recalls Burgundian rule in the fifteenth century. It also tells of how the relic of the Holy Blood came to Bruges through the mediation of crusader Knight Diederik of Alsace and was venerated here. Future dates: 21 May 2009 and 13 May 2010. More information about this procession can be found at www.holyblood.com and www.brugge.be
Leuven In Scenes
10 to 11 May 2008
The biennial, international, open-air theatre festival ‘Leuven In Scenes’ guarantees atmosphere and spectacle in the city. It comprises a number of memorable main acts, performances at international level, plus ‘creators of atmosphere’. In 2006 the festival brought 100,000 visitors to Leuven. The main attraction was the transformed colourful fairy-tale like Town Hall. This Festival is totally free of charge and takes place every 2 years. Future date: 26 and 27 May 2010. For more information about this event call 0032 16 22 70 99.
10 to 11 May 2008
The biennial, international, open-air theatre festival ‘Leuven In Scenes’ guarantees atmosphere and spectacle in the city. It comprises a number of memorable main acts, performances at international level, plus ‘creators of atmosphere’. In 2006 the festival brought 100,000 visitors to Leuven. The main attraction was the transformed colourful fairy-tale like Town Hall. This Festival is totally free of charge and takes place every 2 years. Future date: 26 and 27 May 2010. For more information about this event call 0032 16 22 70 99.
Ostend at Anchor
22 to 25 May 2008
Ostend at Anchor is the number-one maritime event of the spring. The 2006 edition welcomed no fewer than 200,000 visitors, who paid tribute to Ostend’s maritime heritage. Last year celebrated Tin Tin and the one-hundredth anniversary of Hergé’s birth and in 2008 the theme will be Belgians at the South Pole. Visitors can access more than 100 tall ships to view life on board daily from 10.00-12.00 and from 13.30-18.00. www.oostendevooranker.be
22 to 25 May 2008
Ostend at Anchor is the number-one maritime event of the spring. The 2006 edition welcomed no fewer than 200,000 visitors, who paid tribute to Ostend’s maritime heritage. Last year celebrated Tin Tin and the one-hundredth anniversary of Hergé’s birth and in 2008 the theme will be Belgians at the South Pole. Visitors can access more than 100 tall ships to view life on board daily from 10.00-12.00 and from 13.30-18.00. www.oostendevooranker.be
Brussels Jazz Marathon
23 to 25 May 2008
Brussels, Grand Place, place du Sablon, place Ste-Catherine & place Fernand Cocq. Now in its twelfth edition, the weekend of the Brussels Jazz Marathon has become an annual mecca for enthusiasts of jazz and swinging live music of every description. With more than 450 musicians performing on the main squares in Brussels as well as in 50 venues/clubs/hotels, this three-day event invariably brings music fans flocking. This years edition promises to live up to its great reputation with renowned artists of international reputate alongside a new generation of exceptional young talents waiting to be discovered. Access to all concerts is totally FREE! www.brusselsjazzmarathon.be
23 to 25 May 2008
Brussels, Grand Place, place du Sablon, place Ste-Catherine & place Fernand Cocq. Now in its twelfth edition, the weekend of the Brussels Jazz Marathon has become an annual mecca for enthusiasts of jazz and swinging live music of every description. With more than 450 musicians performing on the main squares in Brussels as well as in 50 venues/clubs/hotels, this three-day event invariably brings music fans flocking. This years edition promises to live up to its great reputation with renowned artists of international reputate alongside a new generation of exceptional young talents waiting to be discovered. Access to all concerts is totally FREE! www.brusselsjazzmarathon.be
July
Brussels Ommegang
1 and 3 July 2008
The Ommegang always held on the first Tuesday and Thursday in May remains one of the most important historical and cultural events staged in Brussels. No fewer than 1,400 extras dressed in authentic historic costumes, scores of horses, coaches and giants take part in the spectacle. They leave from the Grote Zavel and eventually plunge the magnificent Grote Markt back into history. You can reserve a seat at one of the tribunes on the Grote Markt. Tickets start from €32.50 per person and will be available from 21 June at Brussels International, reservations are possible by fax: 0032 2 548 04 44, email: a.sas@brusselsinternational.be web: www.ommegang.be
1 and 3 July 2008
The Ommegang always held on the first Tuesday and Thursday in May remains one of the most important historical and cultural events staged in Brussels. No fewer than 1,400 extras dressed in authentic historic costumes, scores of horses, coaches and giants take part in the spectacle. They leave from the Grote Zavel and eventually plunge the magnificent Grote Markt back into history. You can reserve a seat at one of the tribunes on the Grote Markt. Tickets start from €32.50 per person and will be available from 21 June at Brussels International, reservations are possible by fax: 0032 2 548 04 44, email: a.sas@brusselsinternational.be web: www.ommegang.be
Bruges Zand Fests
6 July, 3 August & 28 September 2008
Koning Albertpark & ‘t Zand
Held three times throughout the summer, visitors can enjoy perusing one of the largest flea markets in Flanders. Contact: 0032 50 34 17 36
6 July, 3 August & 28 September 2008
Koning Albertpark & ‘t Zand
Held three times throughout the summer, visitors can enjoy perusing one of the largest flea markets in Flanders. Contact: 0032 50 34 17 36
Ghent Festivities
19 to 28 July 2008
Every year this long-established, ten-day cultural event takes over Ghent’s historic city centre. There is free music on all the central squares and hundreds of other activities, plus three international-level festivals! Future Dates: 18-27 July 2009 and 17-26 July 2010. www.gentsefeesten.be
19 to 28 July 2008
Every year this long-established, ten-day cultural event takes over Ghent’s historic city centre. There is free music on all the central squares and hundreds of other activities, plus three international-level festivals! Future Dates: 18-27 July 2009 and 17-26 July 2010. www.gentsefeesten.be
August
Bruges Zand Fests
6 July, 3 August & 28 September 2008
Koning Albertpark & ‘t Zand
Held three times throughout the summer, visitors can enjoy perusing one of the largest flea markets in Flanders. Contact: 0032 50 34 17 36
6 July, 3 August & 28 September 2008
Koning Albertpark & ‘t Zand
Held three times throughout the summer, visitors can enjoy perusing one of the largest flea markets in Flanders. Contact: 0032 50 34 17 36
Bruges Procession of the Holy Blood
10 August 2008
10 August 2008
Held on Ascension Day since 1970, this procession illustrates scenes from the Old and New Testaments in a style that recalls Burgundian rule in the fifteenth century. It also tells of how the relic of the Holy Blood came to Bruges through the mediation of crusader Knight Diederik of Alsace and was venerated here. Future dates: 21 May 2009 and 13 May 2010. More information about this procession can be found at www.holyblood.com and www.brugge.be
Brussels Flower Carpet
14 to 17 August 2008
A million begonias in one carpet…. The famous Flower Carpet gracing the middle of the Grote Markt/Grand-Place in Brussels measures a staggering 300m2! The design is different each time it is created by market gardeners from Ghent, who are world famous for their speciality, the begonia. The colourful carpet can best be admired from the balcony of the Town Hall, which is open to the public for the occasion during 09.00 and 11.00 am. Tickets for this panoramic visit cost €3.00. www.brusselsinternational.be, www.flowercarpet.be
14 to 17 August 2008
A million begonias in one carpet…. The famous Flower Carpet gracing the middle of the Grote Markt/Grand-Place in Brussels measures a staggering 300m2! The design is different each time it is created by market gardeners from Ghent, who are world famous for their speciality, the begonia. The colourful carpet can best be admired from the balcony of the Town Hall, which is open to the public for the occasion during 09.00 and 11.00 am. Tickets for this panoramic visit cost €3.00. www.brusselsinternational.be, www.flowercarpet.be
Bruges Lace Days
15 to 17 August 2008
Bruges, Walplein & Beguinage quarters
Every year Bruges has an event called the Bruges Lace Days. In 2008 this event will be taking place for the 28th time. During this event you can see a number of lace groups of the Bruges Lace Centre and there will also be groups present from abroad. Contact: 0032 50 33 00 72, info@kantcentrum.com
www.kantcentrum.com, www.museabrugge.be
15 to 17 August 2008
Bruges, Walplein & Beguinage quarters
Every year Bruges has an event called the Bruges Lace Days. In 2008 this event will be taking place for the 28th time. During this event you can see a number of lace groups of the Bruges Lace Centre and there will also be groups present from abroad. Contact: 0032 50 33 00 72, info@kantcentrum.com
www.kantcentrum.com, www.museabrugge.be
Bruges Canal Festival 2008
15, 16, 18, 20 and 23 August 2008
Bruges, various locations
The triennial Canal Festival recreates the history of the city by means of eight spectacles along the magically lit Canals and on the Burg in the heart of Bruges. Like the previous editions all activities will start at 21.00. Tickets are already available and cost €13.50 (if you purchase them before 31 July) or €15 (if you purchase them after 31 July).
Contact: 0032 70 22 50 05
15, 16, 18, 20 and 23 August 2008
Bruges, various locations
The triennial Canal Festival recreates the history of the city by means of eight spectacles along the magically lit Canals and on the Burg in the heart of Bruges. Like the previous editions all activities will start at 21.00. Tickets are already available and cost €13.50 (if you purchase them before 31 July) or €15 (if you purchase them after 31 July).
Contact: 0032 70 22 50 05
Antwerp Taste Festival
22 to 24 August 2008
Antwerp, Groenplaats
In 2007 the first edition of this Festival was an overwhelming success; in fact it turned out to be the most popular culinary festival of Belgium last year. About 20 restaurant holders/caterers have their own little booth on the Groenplaats where visitors can buy several of their specialities. There is no entrance fee for this festival, all that is required is to purchase some tickets to exchange for the food. A ticket cost €1.80 and most of the dishes cost only 1 or 2 tickets per dish. A few more fancy restaurants offer large meals for a maximum of 7 tickets per dish. A great way to sample some Flemish fare. Stalls open on Friday 22 August at 16.00 until 00.00, Saturday & Sunday 12.00 until 00.00. Contact: 0032 497 41 84 58 or office@aproeft.be
22 to 24 August 2008
Antwerp, Groenplaats
In 2007 the first edition of this Festival was an overwhelming success; in fact it turned out to be the most popular culinary festival of Belgium last year. About 20 restaurant holders/caterers have their own little booth on the Groenplaats where visitors can buy several of their specialities. There is no entrance fee for this festival, all that is required is to purchase some tickets to exchange for the food. A ticket cost €1.80 and most of the dishes cost only 1 or 2 tickets per dish. A few more fancy restaurants offer large meals for a maximum of 7 tickets per dish. A great way to sample some Flemish fare. Stalls open on Friday 22 August at 16.00 until 00.00, Saturday & Sunday 12.00 until 00.00. Contact: 0032 497 41 84 58 or office@aproeft.be
September
Poperinge Hop Parade
19 to 21 September 2008
As the hop-growing centre of Flanders, Poperinge organizes a Hop Parade every three years. This is a unique event in which 65 groups, 1,400 extras and 12 floats take part. The Hop Parade tells the history of the development of the hop industry, provides an overview of the various activities in the field through the four seasons and includes a presentation of the main hop-producing countries in the world. To tie in with the parade, Poperinge Hop Museum will be open throughout the day. You also have the chance to visit a hop company, where you can see a huge picking machine in action. There are also shows, a beer festival in the festival marquee and a stunning firework display to round it all off. For more details about this event call 0032 57 34 66 76.
19 to 21 September 2008
As the hop-growing centre of Flanders, Poperinge organizes a Hop Parade every three years. This is a unique event in which 65 groups, 1,400 extras and 12 floats take part. The Hop Parade tells the history of the development of the hop industry, provides an overview of the various activities in the field through the four seasons and includes a presentation of the main hop-producing countries in the world. To tie in with the parade, Poperinge Hop Museum will be open throughout the day. You also have the chance to visit a hop company, where you can see a huge picking machine in action. There are also shows, a beer festival in the festival marquee and a stunning firework display to round it all off. For more details about this event call 0032 57 34 66 76.
Ghent Floralies Procession
21 September 2008
In 2008 the non-profit Gentse Floraliën, which organizes the five-yearly Floralies flower show in Ghent, will be two-hundred years old. This landmark will be feted with a procession through the streets of Ghent’s historic centre. The theme of the procession will be six centuries of ornamental plant cultivation in Flanders and in particular the story of two hundred years of Floralies. More than twenty floats, 1,200 dancing and music-making extras and hundreds of horsemen will provide a magnificent spectacle which is likely to attract hundreds of thousands of spectators. If you are interested in a seat on one of the tribunes please contact 0032 9 233 77 88. Tickets cost €18 per person. www.floralien.be
21 September 2008
In 2008 the non-profit Gentse Floraliën, which organizes the five-yearly Floralies flower show in Ghent, will be two-hundred years old. This landmark will be feted with a procession through the streets of Ghent’s historic centre. The theme of the procession will be six centuries of ornamental plant cultivation in Flanders and in particular the story of two hundred years of Floralies. More than twenty floats, 1,200 dancing and music-making extras and hundreds of horsemen will provide a magnificent spectacle which is likely to attract hundreds of thousands of spectators. If you are interested in a seat on one of the tribunes please contact 0032 9 233 77 88. Tickets cost €18 per person. www.floralien.be
Bruges Zand Fests
6 July, 3 August & 28 September 2008
6 July, 3 August & 28 September 2008
Koning Albertpark & ‘t Zand
Held three times throughout the summer, visitors can enjoy perusing one of the largest flea markets in Flanders. Contact: 0032 50 34 17 36
October
Hasselt Jenever Festivities
18 to 19 October 2008
Streets and squares in the city centre
During the third weekend in October jenever (gin) flows freely in the centre of Hasselt! On the Saturday, drinks are on the ‘Borrel Man’ who changes water into jenever! On the Sunday the traditional waiter competition is held. Visitors can take part in the jenever walk or take a ride on the jenever tram. Music fills the streets, adding to the atmosphere. www.hasselt.be More information will be available later on at www.jeneverfeesten.be
18 to 19 October 2008
Streets and squares in the city centre
During the third weekend in October jenever (gin) flows freely in the centre of Hasselt! On the Saturday, drinks are on the ‘Borrel Man’ who changes water into jenever! On the Sunday the traditional waiter competition is held. Visitors can take part in the jenever walk or take a ride on the jenever tram. Music fills the streets, adding to the atmosphere. www.hasselt.be More information will be available later on at www.jeneverfeesten.be
Halloween In Ostend
24 October to 2 November 2008
City Centre
Ostend welcomes its annual Halloween festivities, opening up the city to ghosts, spiders, pumpkins and vampires and the like for 10 days of the year. Whether you come in costume or enjoy the dressed window displays, the city has something for everyone.
www.toerisme-oostende.be
24 October to 2 November 2008
City Centre
Ostend welcomes its annual Halloween festivities, opening up the city to ghosts, spiders, pumpkins and vampires and the like for 10 days of the year. Whether you come in costume or enjoy the dressed window displays, the city has something for everyone.
www.toerisme-oostende.be
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