National Day programme 2023

For Belgian National Day on 21 July, FPS Chancellery of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Defence, FPS Interior, the federal and local police and the Syndicat d’initiative-Bruxelles Promotion are organising a number of activities for the general public in Brussels.  

This year, National Day coincides with the 10th anniversary of the reign of King Philippe.

Below is an overview of the activities (co-)organised by the federal government:

20 July 2023

  • From 7.30 pm - Bal National - Place du Jeu du Balle 

The Bal National will be taking over the Place du Jeu du Balle! This popular event in the Marolles begins at 7.30pm with a dance initiation, followed by a series of free concerts. The programme this year includes De Romeo's and Sttellla.

More information on the website Balnational.be

  • 8 pm – Concert in Flagey as a prelude to National Day – sold out – live on TV

This classical music concert is being organised by the Queen Elisabeth Competition in conjunction with the Belgian National Orchestra and Flagey, with the support of FPS Chancellery of the Prime Minister and the National Lottery. It is taking place in Flagey's legendary Studio 4, with its unique architecture and acoustics. The King and Queen will both attend the concert.

This year's soloist is the cellist Victor Julien-Laferrière, winner of the Queen Elisabeth Competition in 2017. He will perform with the Belgian National Orchestra, conducted by Antony Hermus.

The concert is sold out, but it will be broadcast on 20 July at 8pm on the radio (Musiq3) and at 8.10pm on the television (La Trois). You can also listen to the concert on RTBF AUVIO.

21 July 2023

  • 10 am – Te Deum –St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

The Te Deum will be celebrated at 10am on 21 July in the St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral. The King and Queen and senior government figures will be in attendance.

  • From 10 am - Party in the Park - Brussels Park/Rue de la Régence and surroundings

The Party in the Park will be held from 10.30am to 8.30pm between the Palace of Justice and the Palace of the Nation (Federal Parliament), namely in Rue de la Régence, on Place du Grand Sablon , on Place Royale, on Place Poelaert, on Coudenberg and in Brussels Park. The programme is jam-packed with fun, free, folkloric events. The museums and churches in the neighbourhood will also be open to the public. There will be music all day in Brussels Park and on Place du Grand Sablon.

FPS Interior, the Ministry of Defence, the federal and local police, European institutions and various federal government services will all be present at the party. You will find them at the following locations:
- Police village - Place Poelaert
- Defence - Place Royale, Coudenberg and Rue de la Régence
- Security village, FPS Interior - Place du Grand Sablon (Zavel)
- B-Fast, Red Cross, BPS, SIAMU, Customs etc. - Rue de la Régence

  • 4pm – Military and citizens' parade

The traditional military and citizens' parade will take place at 4pm on Place des Palais. 

More information about the parade

  • 9pm –"Happy Belgium" concert in Cinquantenaire Park

For the second year in a row, a spectacular free show organised by FPS Chancellery of the Prime Minister will provide a fitting end to the 21 July festivities in Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels.

This year, Belgian National Day coincides with the 10th anniversary of the reign of King Philippe. So there are two fantastic reasons for us to all come together and enjoy a celebratory evening under the theme of “Happy Belgium!”, in the presence of the Royal Family.

From 9pm, a number of Belgian artists will perform at a concert which promises to be full of surprises – not only to honour the King, but also Belgians who have distinguished themselves over the last decade.

  • 11 pm – Laser, light and fireworks display – Cinquantenaire Park

A fantastic laser, light and fireworks display, organised by the Syndicat d’initiative-Bruxelles Promotion, will round off the evening in style.

The concert and the laser, light and fireworks finale will also be broadcast on the national TV channels La Une, VRT 1, BRF and Play4, as well as on TV5 Monde.

More information about the concert and fireworks display 

 

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