Kick-off of the 175th Gentse Feesten, between fire-breathing dragon and music

(Belga) The city of Ghent will know Friday the kick-off of its traditional annual festivals, the Gentse Feesten, which are this year at their 175th edition. The mayor Daniël Termont will hand over the key of the town hall at 6 pm to the "Feestenburgemeester", the "bourgmestre of the holidays", Christophe Peeters. A few hours later, a show of lights will begin, and the dragon of the belfry will spit its first bouquet of flames. This emblematic emblem of the city should release every night, during the festivities that last 10 days, a flame of appreciation.

No less than 1.3 million visitors are expected throughout the event. The story of these unique festivities is the subject of a book this year for those who want to know more, while an exhibition will also offer a historical look at the Huis van Alijn party. The festival will be blooming, with a beauty of the City Hall and Kouter Kiosk by some florists who will also take up their quarters inside the City Hall, open to the public on this occasion from July 15 to 22 . The core of the festivities will be multiple: 7 main venues will host concerts including Gers Pardoel, 't van Hof van, Suzanne Vega, Milow and De Kreuners and other performances. On the last day, July 22, a concert will be held at the opera in the evening, with several guest singers. (Belga)