Summer in Brussels has become synonymous with weekends spent at Vaux Hall. From salsa and yoga sessions to open-air film screenings and DJ sets, the diverse nature of this ten-week event ensures there is something for everyone!
For the eighth year in a row, Vaux Hall Summer is nestling itself behind the Théâtre du Parc, hidden among tall trees on the edge of Parc de Bruxelles, in an elegant arcade built of wood painted green. From this week to 25 August, locals and tourists alike can make their way to this peaceful haven, either to take part in one of the many events on the diverse cultural programme or to simply sit back and relax in one of the many lounging chairs.
"Due to the success of recent editions, the programme has been expanded and now extends over ten weeks," said Delphine Houba (PS), councillor for Culture for the City of Brussels.
Credit: Vaux Hall
This year's packed programme includes several open-air concerts. Punk band HotWax will be the first to take to the stage on the opening night. The artists in residence at La Chapelle Musicale will perform a variety of more peaceful works during the classical music concert series.
The venue is organising a host of exciting DJ sets, starting with Mr Comb on Thursday 20 June. Visitors can also enjoy an outrageous evening of Belgian burlesque with the 'Belgies Follies' cabaret.
As in previous years, film screenings (Vaux-Hall Movie) will be held under the stars. On 20 June, the focus will be on Hong Kong, with the screening of the film Suk-Suk by Ray Yeung (subtitled in French and English): a story of a 70-year-old taxi driver and a divorced man who explore their sexual orientation in the hidden nooks of the city.
People of all ages are invited to take part in creative workshops (the first of which will be making paper and nylon thread puppets) or fun sports sessions supervised by professionals.
All these events are offered for free from Thursday to Sunday every week until the end of August.
Credit: Vaux Hall Brussels
The unique space is also home to one of Brussels' most iconic guinguettes, Julien, known for its upbeat atmosphere in the summer months. It opens in the evening on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and welcomes people all day until 18:00 on Sunday.
The magnificent building where Vaux Hall is set up was constructed in 1913 as a setting for concerts, inspired by the 18th-century Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens in London. It underwent a vast renovation from 2012 to 2017 to bring back its lustre and make it accessible to the public once again.
The full programme can be found here.
