The Brussels Jazz Weekend attracted approximately 170,000 visitors over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, organisers reported on Monday.
More than 400 artists performed during the event, offering a range of music from classical to experimental, from intimate ballads to more energetic grooves.
Renowned international artists such as Italian Francesco Turrisi, Swiss Louis Matute, and British musicians Jamilah Barry and Amy Gadiaga performed, along with many other Belgian artists.
The main stages at Grand-Place, Place de la Bourse, and Place Sainte-Catherine showcased “a bold artistic line and strong identity,” orchestrated by event partners VK, AB, Les Lundis d’Hortense, Greenhouse Talent, and the Royal Conservatories of Brussels.
Five additional Busker Stages offered a diverse array of musical styles, while approximately 30 bars and small venues hosted concerts, often selling out.
This year, the festival introduced the Brussels Jazz Vanguard competition for emerging artists, with 15 jazz groups selected from 150 applications to perform at Place Sainte-Catherine. The winners will be announced on Tuesday.
“Our goal for the next five years is to collaborate with institutional and private partners to develop our project,” stated Stéphane Thiery, chairman of the board, “and to rank in the top five free urban jazz festivals in Europe by 2030, when Belgium celebrates its bicentennial, and we hope Molenbeek-Brussels will be the European Capital of Culture.”
The next edition of the festival is scheduled for 22 to 24 May 2026.
