Some 550,000 visitors attended the opening weekend of the Ghent Festivities, 40,000 more than the previous edition, according to a delighted City Hall.
They included about 160,000 people who flocked to the event on National Day, Sunday.
The good weather played a significant role in the initial days’ success, with few incidents reported. Utility company Farys distributed around 10,000 litres of drinking water to festival goers, on top of refreshments provided by various bars.
“Despite the weekend’s heat, our extensive programme attracted many people,” said Bram Van Braeckevelt, city councillor in charge of festivities. This year’s programme was particularly family-friendly. “It’s good to see that the Ghent Festivities aimed at everyone again, not just night owls.”
This week, the programme will be more focused on the citizens of Ghent. For instance, Monday's programme includes a dance performance by the Buffalo Dance Academy at the Korenmarkt, showcasing the talents of Nieuw Gent District’s children and youngsters.
A stone’s throw away, at the Walter De Buckplein, Soft Boy, Buck and Absynthe Minded will take the stage, while Johnny Logan will perform at the Sint-Baafsplein at 11 p.m..
Three fights were reported by Ghent police on Sunday, and 60 people received a municipal administrative sanction for urinating in public. Thirty fines were issued for traffic violations, and six vehicles were towed.
The Red Cross attended to 206 visitors on Sunday, 12 of whom were transferred to hospital.
