About 60,000 people gathered in the Cinquantenaire Park for the concert and fireworks that closed the National Day celebrations on Thursday evening, the Brussels police reported.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde attended the event, accompanied by Princess Eleonore, and Princes Gabriel and Emmanuel. Just before the fireworks, the king addressed the crowd from the podium.
In recent years, the fireworks invariably took place at the Place des Palais, but this year they moved to the Cinquantenaire Park, where the first free ‘Belgium celebrates!’ concert was also held.
The concert started at 9.00 p.m., with performances by artistes such as Alice on the roof, Coely, Niels Destadsbader, Salvatore Adamo, Netsky, Laura Tesoro, Ruben Block, Jérémie Makiese, Noémie Wolfs, Pommelien Thijs and Yong Yello. Presenters from various Belgian channels also enlivened the event.
Shortly before 11 p.m., the royal couple and their three children appeared on stage, after which King Philippe briefly addressed the audience. “Good evening to everyone and a happy national holiday,” said the monarch. “We are happy to be here with you and to be able to celebrate, with you and with the artistes.
“Thanks to the artistes for this wonderful evening and to all of you for being here in such large numbers. Thank you for being here in such numbers to celebrate this beautiful national day. We are happy to be here with you. Vive la Belgique! Leve België! Es lebe Belgien!”
The king’s brief speech was greeted with loud cheers and applause.
