For the sixth year, the largest New Year's party in Brussels – called 'FCKNYE' – will take place at Heysel. This year, however, it will for the first time be a two-day event and will already start on 30 December.
A total of 75 DJs and artists will ring in the new year on five different stages over an area of 80,000 m². The festival has listened to feedback from the previous years and made adjustments in terms of noise levels, traffic and infrastructure.
"The site has been completely redesigned," the organisation's website stated.
This year, the capacity will be expanded to 50,000 for the two festival days in Brussels Expo: 15,000 partygoers on 30 December and 35,000 on 31 December. FCKNYE has participants from at least 40 different nationalities, according to the City of Brussels. The large majority (72%) come from abroad.
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"Partying is in the DNA of Brussels. So we are very proud to welcome the FCKNYE Festival to Brussels Expo," said Brussels City Mayor Philippe Close. With names like I Hate Models, Hamza and Amelie Lens, "it promises to be a fantastic two-day event," the organisation said.
To ensure the two-day party runs smoothly, prevention measures are being taken that are based on the action protocol regarding the fight against gender-based and sexual violence in the nightlife of Brussels By Night Federation, Brussels authorities stressed.
For example, there will be prevention messages about consent and signposts will point visitors where to go in a problem situation. In addition, "awareness teams" are set up to act preventively, for example in the case of administration of drugs without knowledge. The Red Cross will also be present.
