The light show projection on the Belfry on Bruges’ historic market square was a tremendous success. Next summer, the light show will be projected onto Bruges Town Hall rather than the Belfry. The organising committee, the 11 July Committee, has opted to use the projections on the Town Hall to bring the murder of Charles the Good to life using images and sound. The city council has now given the go-ahead and is supporting the project with 75,000 euros.
Over the past two summers, tens of thousands of spectators watched ‘The Belfry Tells Its Story’. Projections onto the Belfry allowed the iconic building to, as it were, tell the history of Bruges – and, by extension, of Flanders. After two editions, the spectacle will move to the town hall next year.
“The murder of Charles the Good will take centre stage. Next year will mark exactly 900 years since that event,” explains Pol Van Den Driessche, chair of the 11 July Committee.
It is no coincidence that the town hall will be telling this story. “The murder took place in the former St Donatus’ Church, the ruins of which now lie beneath the trees on the Burg square, where the town hall now stands.”
Windows and images
The technical implementation will require some further work. “With its many windows and sculptures, the façade of Bruges Town Hall presents a real challenge when it comes to projecting images onto it. And as well as technical feasibility, the financial aspects must also add up.”
“We estimate the costs at 400,000 euros and we are still looking for sponsors to cover this,” said Van Den Driessche. Bruges Town Council has already earmarked 75,000 euros.