In line with annual tradition, the birthday of Emperor Napoleon I will be celebrated on the site of the Battle of Waterloo with various traditional events and a barbecue.
This weekend, the Waterloo 1815 Estate, where the Battle of Waterloo re-enactment takes place at the start of every summer, will once again host a whole weekend packed with activities. This time, however, the programme will be celebrating what would have been the Emperor's 254th birthday on 15 August.
This year's event will take place on 12 and 13 August. The site will welcome history buffs, allowing them to immerse themselves in the world of the famous battle.
There will be a variety of activities relating to the historic battle from 9:30 to 18:30 on both Saturday and Sunday, including a number of demonstrations of Empire cavalry, combat and Amazon riding by the professional horse riders 'Les écuyers de l'Histoire'.
Napoleon during the re-enactment of the Battle of Waterloo in July 2023. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
A tour of the camp and the bivouac will also be organised, bringing the curious back in time to discover the site's most important locations. Meanwhile, detailed explanations of soldiers' lives and a practical talk on military surgery will inform visitors of its past. Entertainers donning uniforms and clothing from the period will also run workshops all day long.
Young visitors will also be given the chance to enrol in the Empire's army. As always, the 2,000 m2 museum will also be open to visitors, where the Battle of Waterloo 1815 can be relived through a narrative, multi-sensory scenography, including special effects and immersive decors. The uniforms and other historical objects are also on show here.
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The day's activities will be rounded off with a display of cannon and rifle firings. On Saturday evening, visitors will be invited to stay and watch the sunset over the impressive site, widely recognised by the Lion's Mound war memorial.
There will be a barbecue, accompanied by a large fireworks display, more equestrian demonstrations and a final cannon shot, recalling the battles that took place.
Tickets cost €23 per adult, €11.50 for children over 10 and tickets are free for under 10s. Find more information here.
