The country’s largest rock festival kicks off tomorrow in the Flemish Brabant municipality of Werchter, with daily attendance expected to reach tens of thousands.
Traditionally, the first camping visitors arrive on Wednesday afternoon. By around 15:00 yesterday, over 1300 festival-goers had been transported to The Hive, the largest campsite, via free shuttle buses departing from Leuven. At the Martyrs’ Square in Leuven, where the buses start their journey, hundreds of young people are queueing up.
"The influx is going a bit slower than other years, perhaps due to the poorer weather," says Jelle Wouters (ROX), mayor of Rotselaar, the municipality of which Werchter is a part. "We anticipate a gradual increase in attendees. So far, there have been no mobility issues. Yesterday’s concert by Bruce Springsteen was a successful first test. We are ready."
Party-goers are set to enjoy their first celebration of the festival Wednesday evening at The Hive, featuring performances by Flo Windey and Because It Can & Average Rob. The Hive is completely sold out for the event.
Prominent artists and bands who have been performing for several decades have been lined up for the next four days, including Lenny Kravitz, PJ Harvey, Foo Fighters, Dropkick Murphys, Róisín Murphy, and The Pretenders.
There will also be performances from big contemporary acts like Dua Lipa, Måneskin, Khruangbin, Black Pumas, and Belgian newcomers Bluai and Ise.
