The tremendously successful format of a light spectacle projecting a story on Bruges’ iconic bell tower is up for a repeat. Between 1 and 11 July, in the run-up to the Flemish holiday on 11 July, spectators on Bruges’ Market Square will once again be able to revel at a light show projected onto the tower that dominates the skyline of the West Flemish capital. For 11 days, the Story of Bruges, encompassing days from the end of the 15th century to the present day, will be on show. The city’s turbulent relationship with water is this year’s central theme.
The 11 July Committee Bruges, which organises festivities to mark the Flemish national holiday, is presenting a completely new narrative. ‘A Tale of Ebb and Flow’ focuses on the centuries-old bond between Bruges, water and the sea. The light show on the Belfry takes spectators on a journey from the end of the 15th century to the present day.
To ensure historical accuracy, the organisation is once again collaborating with six historians, led by honorary city archivist Noël Geirnaert.
“We want to tell a story that is accessible to a wide audience, yet remains historically accurate,” they explain. “It should be memorable, but it must also be correct. That is precisely where the strength of our project lies.”
New target: 100,000 visitors!
According to mobile phone data analysis, there were noticeably more people in Bruges city centre during the late evening hours of the 11-day event. ‘It was undoubtedly a great success,’ says Pol Van Den Driessche, chair of the 11 July Committee charity. ‘Last year, 75,000 people turned up. This year, we’re aiming for 100,000.’
Every evening, the new show starts at 10.45 pm, as soon as it is dark enough. At the request of the public, last year’s show is then repeated at 11.15 pm. Visitors can follow the story in Dutch, French, English and German using a QR code. An adapted Dutch-language version is also provided for the deaf and hard of hearing.