Belgium’s royals took centre stage in Sunday’s national holiday marking the anniversary of the swearing in of the first King of Belgians, Leopold I, in 1831. There was the Roman Catholic Te Deum mass at Brussels Cathedral, the military and civilian march-past in downtown Brussels, festivities in the Brussels Park and a concert and fireworks in the Jubel Park.
After the military parade the king and queen headed to Brussels Park, where they and the junior royals were greeted by members of the public, who had turned up in large numers to enjoy the numerable activities that were being organised there to mark the holiday.
Later in the day the focus shifted to the Jubel Park where food trucks and bars had been set up. The festivities were rounded off after 9 p.m. with a "Belgian party" and performances by Belgian artists including Helmut Lotti, Average Rob, Lost Frequencies, Emma Bale and Mustii, the Belgian Eurovision Song Contest candidate.
At least 100,000 people attended the free concerts and the traditional fireworks display on the occasion of the national holiday.
In addition to the concluding fireworks, spectators could also marvel at a laser and drone show. Everything was also live on television and streaming platforms.
