The annual Bollekesfeest kicked off in Antwerp on Friday afternoon, with the city council, led by Mayor Bart De Weever, launching the festival by tapping Bollekes at the Grote Markt or Big Market.
Each visitor received a free Bolleke or a non-alcoholic aperitif during the first hour of the folk festival which, this year, will be accompanied by the arrival of the Tall Ships Races.
This year’s Bollekesfeest is being held at two venues: the Grote Markt, which hosts the main stage where the performances will take place, and the Groenplaats, where a large terrace has been decked out in collaboration with De Koninck Brewery, brewers of the Bolleke. There will be live music at the Grote Markt all weekend.
On Friday evening De Jartellen, BLUAI, TheColorGrey, Discobaar A Mother are on show, along with a surprise act, while on Saturday, it’s the turn of Scaletta Kids with Maureen Vanherberghen, BTZ, Pieter and Tine Embrechts Duo, Cleymans & Van Geel, Regi Live & guests and Ronny Retro.
Sunday’s menu includes #LikeMe, Bram & Lennert, Soul II Soul by Sofie, Sandrine & Stef and Soulbrothers, as well as the Miguel Wiels Band, featuring Coco Jr., Belle Perez and Paul Michiels, while DJ Dimi closes the evening with special guest Sam Gooris.
At the Groenplaats festivalgoers can enjoy a Bolleke and other drinks on a huge terrace, plus local craft products. Music is being provided by Radio Minerva on Friday and Saturday, and by Radio Expres on Sunday.
