The 21st edition of the Esperanzah! Festival will kick off in Floreffe Abbey in the province of Namur from today, combining four days of music, shows, cinema and debates.
Around 40 different musical artists will perform on the festival stages. On Thursday, Brussels artists Clara! will launch the festivities with her reggaeton and electro sounds. Other acts include Bagarre, Eloi, Villano Antillano, and Mandragora. The first evening will end with a DJ-set by Rokia Bamba.
On Friday, the line up will include Charlotte Adigery and Bolis Pupul, Naâman, Lila Iké, Songø, Kalika, Bianca Costa, Jok'Air. On Saturday, the Kokoko! collective, Doria, Blu Samu, and Pomme will take the stage.
On the last day of the festival, rapper Isha will replace Ada Oda. Other acts include Chilly Gonzales, La Femme, BB Jacques, and Biga*Ranx.
There will also be around a dozen meetings and debates this weekend at the festival. Around 30 different collectives and associations will set up at the 'Village des Possibles' to discuss societal issues.
The festival places a particular emphasis on shows and debates, revolving around the topic of "wrongdoings, words and mobilisation.". There will be discussions on climate change, inequality and social violence aiming to "denounce the words that hurt and the words that lie" and "find our collective voices and tell exciting stories".
Festival goers will be able to watch a series of films, including the screening of six documentaries.
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The Takapa acting company will perform their stunningly "sensual and poetic" aerial dance performance with silks, 'Abrazzo'.
Meanwhile, the 15Feet6 company will play 'Les patineurs' in which two acrobats will take to the stage on roller skates to the sound of Émile Waldteufel's 'Valse des Patineurs'.
Heavy rains and high winds are expected throughout the festivities.
To find more information on this year's programme, see here.
