The 73rd edition of Leuven's Annual Market will take place on 4 September and, as in previous years, the city is expecting around 100,000 visitors for its biggest festival of the year.
"A huge number of people are looking forward to the Annual Market," says Trade alderman Johan Geleyns.
"The farmers who go out to meet the public with their crafts, the HoReCa sector [hotels, restaurants and cafés] and the many revellers it welcomes, but also and above all all the visitors who come to Leuven for its warm entertainment, the stalls in the shopping streets and its big festive market. With its comprehensive programme, we make this popular festival attractive to everyone."
The heart of the market will be at Sint-Jacobplein, where this year's livestock competition and draught horse show will take place. Around 30 vintage Flemish tractors will also be on display. Leuven's schoolchildren, meanwhile, will be the guests of honour at this year's Annual Market in the Heilige Geeststraat in Arthur De Greefstraat.
In the city centre, notably in Brusselsestraat and its adjacent streets, on the Grote Markt, at the Bongenotenlaan and on the Martelarenplein, braderies with market stalls, a festive market and a flea market are planned.
Tradition also dictates that visitors explore the surrounding bars. Starting at Den Vetten Os before moving on to Café Central, De Leivese Ton and Jeeskesboom. The final stop is at Café Marengo, where there will be several performances.
