Belgium celebrates its national day on Thursday 21 July but preparations and activities will already start on Wednesday.
On Wednesday morning at 09:00, a rehearsal of the Royal Escort of the Federal Police will start as part of the 21 July celebrations. The Royal Escort will take place under the command of Divisional Commissioner Pierre Jacobs for the last time, after which the role will be handed over to Divisional Commissioner Benoît Van Houtte.
At 10:00 on Rue Brederode 16, there will be an inaugural promenade of this year's summer exhibitions at the Royal Palace of Brussels in the presence of King Philippe, Queen Mathilde and the Secretary of State Thomas Dermine.
Evening activities
From 19:00, a National Ball will take place at Place Jeu de Balle. The popular event in the Marolles starts with an introduction to dance followed by free concerts. This year's lineup includes Lou and the Hollywood Bananas and The Amazing Flowers.
As a prelude to tomorrow's celebrations, a concert will be held at the Palais des Beaux-Arts at 20:00. The classical concert is organised by the Queen Elisabeth Competition together with the Belgian National Orchestra and Bozar, and supported by the Chancellery of the Prime Minister and the National Lottery.
The event will take place in Salle Henry Le Bœuf, known to be one of the world's best concert halls for acoustics. The King and Queen will be in attendance.
Performers will include US violinist Stella Chen, who won the first laureate of the Queen Elisabeth Competition in 2019. She will be accompanied by the Belgian National Orchestra conducted by Antony Hermus.
The concert is sold out but will be broadcast on live television.
