Due to the success of Brussels' 'Winter Wonders' Christmas events, authorities have decided to launch a similar concept over the summer, including an urban garden, free concerts and much more.
The City of Brussels has announced a festive summer concept, 'Plaisirs d'Été', which will take place for the first time from 14 July to 6 August. Following on from the 'Plaisirs d'Hiver' Christmas market, it forms part of the city's ambition to develop a dynamic and sustainable long-term concept to ensure a "permanently vibrant" city centre.
"We are creating a sunny version of the winter classic, which will appeal to tourists and locals alike. It is all about living and enjoying together, with a free range of activities in the city centre that is inclusive and puts everyone on an equal footing," said Councillor for Culture, Tourism and Major Events Delphine Houba.
What to expect
The city invested €350,000 in the event, which will centre around an "urban garden" on the Place de Brouckère, bringing the pedestrian zone to life from noon to 22:00.
Various "islands", each with a different activity, will encircle a central tower in the form of a greenhouse. Here, locals and tourists can sit back to enjoy an aperitif or a snack. From Tuesday to Sunday between 18:00 and 22:00, DJs and bands will perform here.
Place de Brouckère will be transformed into an 'urban garden'. Credit: Belga/ Thierry Roge
This space will also be dedicated to games and sports, specifically football, hockey, pickleball and spikeball. Pétanque, an adventure course, mini-golf and slacklining will also be available to visitors.
"The idea is to give many people in Brussels who can't go on holiday the chance to try out a whole range of sports," said Brussels Councillor for Climate and Sports Benoît Hellings. "This is being organised together with local sports clubs, to inspire those who are curious to extend their sporting activities to the rest of the year."
Another venue, Place Fontainas, will become an "exotic garden-style artistic installation" to be compared to a "plant village." This space will provide an immersive artistic and contemplative experience, the city's councillors explained.
The pedestrian area between Place De Brouckère and Place Fontainas will be embellished with 15 illuminated columns decorated with birds, plants and bamboo.
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With these urban gardens, the city not only wants to give nature its rightful place in Brussels but also to offer green spaces to those who don't have a garden.
'Plaisirs d'Été' will officially be launched on Friday 14 July, including a performance by the emblematic singer of the group Hyphen Hyphen, Santa, who will sing for 25 minutes suspended from a 45-metre high crane, accompanied by her grand piano above Place de la Bourse.
