The 61st edition of the World Folklore Festival will welcome 250 dancers, singers and musicians from three continents to the Athénée Royal in Jambes, Namur, from 18 to 21 August, its organisers announced on Tuesday.
This is the second year that the event has been held in the Athénée’s facilities, with a capacity of 700. This edition will include artistes from six foreign nations: Argentina, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Italy, Paraguay and, for the first time, Singapore.
Belgium will also be represented - by the Frairie Royale des Masuis et Cotelis, based in Jambes, and the ‘Reintje Vos’ group from Stekene in Flanders.
For four days, the artistes present will take audiences on “a journey to the rhythm of the colours of the World.” In addition to the performances on the programme at the Athénée Royal, there will also be a number of off-site events open to the public free of charge.
On Saturday, a parade will take place as part of the Namur market from 11.30am. The folk groups will then move on to the Jardins du Maïeur for a reception and demonstrations. On Sunday, a ceremony will be held at the Sacré-Coeur church, followed by a musical parade through the Brocante de Jambes, the town's famous flea market.
Finally, private shows will take place in nursing homes on Monday.
Further information is available at www.festifolkjambes.be.
