Residents and neighbourhood associations near the Foire du Midi are deeply concerned about City of Brussels and Anderlecht’s plan to raise noise levels for this annual event.
The two municipalities aim to increase the noise limit by 3 decibels after 22:00, from 75 dB to 78 dB.
Neighbourhood associations complain they are unable to oppose the change due to its timing, which prevents them from submitting a citizen’s appeal before the local council’s summer break.
They highlight that a 3 dB rise equates to doubling the noise intensity, as sound levels are measured logarithmically, not linearly.
Residents consider the adjustment of the fair’s noise regulations a significant issue.
Those living along Poincaré, Midi, and Abattoir boulevards argue that the current noise limits are excessively high, depriving them of much-needed sleep during the Foire du Midi, slated to run from 19 July to 24 August 2025, in central Brussels, bordering Anderlecht and Saint-Gilles.
