The Ghent Festival has drawn to a close for yet another year. The authorities look back on a successful edition. There were large crowds, but few incidents. Especially during the weekend it was ‘pleasantly busy’.
On Saturday, the 9th day of the festival, 240,000 people visited the Ghent Festival and enjoyed the unique atmosphere of the East Flemish capital. The fun continued on virtually all squares an hour longer than planned on Saturday to allow a safe exodus.
‘This is one of the greatest editions,’ says festival mayor Bram Van Braeckevelt. ‘We had beautiful weather, which also helped.’
More visitors, but not too crowded
‘We are pleased with the high visitor numbers, but it is especially positive that this did not lead to excessive crowds. Extra visitor numbers are no good if the festival is not viable and sustainable.’
‘We put extra effort into the afternoon programming, which has paid off. More people come during the day: both young families, but also people who have a harder time getting about. We want to be a Ghent Festival for everyone.’
Some weird objects handed in to police
More people does not automatically mean more incidents. ‘Once in a while there was a fight, but in general it remained calm,’ says Matto Langeraert, spokesman for the Ghent police. ‘A striking number of lost property items were handed in. We are now sitting on more than 600 items.’
‘Many mobile phones and wallets, but also sometimes more unusual finds. For example, there is still a bag here with 32 EpiPens. We’ve also got a pair of very thick glasses: I really don't know how the owner got home.’
Purchase of drinks on the squares should be encouraged
The organisers of events on the various squares are also looking back on this year’s festival with satisfaction. For the first time, people used the same beer cups on all 9 squares. ‘A success. They were easily interchangeable everywhere.’ One point of criticism? ‘Campaigns to encourage purchasing drinks on the squares themselves are essential. Many revellers unfortunately bought their drinks in (night) shops.’
The festival mayor is pressing for deposits to be introduced on beer cans. ‘It hurts to see revellers standing around with a can in their hands. But if it also ends up on the ground afterwards, it's a real shame. If deposits could be introduced, maybe our bin men will have less work cleaning up.’
Last orders at Ghent Festival!
Day 10 i.e. Sunday was the last and final day of the Ghent Festival. It includes traditions like the 1900 Ball. It used to be a party where the bourgeoisie danced with the common folk, the rich in shoes on the cobble stones, the everyday people in clogs in the sand. Today, it is a social event with dancers dressed in the attire of the fin de siècle.
‘Purses and wallets are almost empty, but that won't stop us from enjoying a day full of tradition. We expect Day 10 to be a hot and busy affair: drink plenty of water and take care of yourself and others,’ the festival mayor advised on Sunday morning.