Belgium’s third-biggest music festival – Pukkelpop in Hasselt – saw more people than ever attend the opening night on Thursday, which is largely dedicated to local acts
Culture
Record opening night for Pukkelpop, with 55,000 streaming through the gates
Lisa Bradshaw
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Pukkelpop, Belgium’s third-largest summer music festival after Tomorrowland and Rock Werchter, saw 55,000 attendees on Thursday night – a record for the opening night of the rock and pop festival in Hasselt.
The first night of Pukkelpop was once reserved for campers who arrive on the Kiewit festival site the day before the official opening day. But as the number of acts grew, so did the number of people who wanted to attend, and now it’s a proper opening night – accessible to Friday and combi-ticketholders.
Opening night premiere for Marquee
Largely dedicated to Belgian bands, opening night this year featured Portland, Coely and Brihang among the 26 bands and DJs spread over five of the festival’s eight stages. For the first time, the Marquee – Pukkelpop’s largest tent – has opened for the first night.
“Thursday night has become more and more popular over the last few years,” said the festival’s spokesperson Frederik Luyten. “To optimize the flow of people arriving, we decided to add the Marquee. Why not?”
Portland was given the honour of playing Thursday’s night first Marquee show. Once fronted by a duo, Sarah Pepels left the band last year, leaving Jente Pironet (pictured above) to front the band on his own. But also last year, Pironet was diagnosed with brain cancer.
Following a intense period of treatment, the 33-year-old is back on stages this year, together with singer Nina Kortekaas. “What an incredible honour it is for us to open the Marquee,” said Pironet during the performance.
Pukkelpop expects 65,000 attendees for the rest of the festival, which runs until Sunday night. Headliners include British noise duo Royal Blood, legendary American punk rock band The Offspring and world-class techno phenomenon Charlotte De Witte.