Quai d'Été: Successful and sunny launch for new Brussels event

New seasonal event Quai d'Été has enlivened the banks of Brussels canal with a series of activities on and off the water over the past 11 days.

The City of Brussels’ summer quayside programme closed on 11 July after welcoming 3,663 passengers for 23 themed cruises (16 of which were sold out), it announced. The Boat offered a varied mix of entertainment, from live music meanderings and heritage discoveries to festive moments.

On the quayside, the public participated in creative workshops and attended artistic performances, including dance and DJ sets, while the little ones enjoyed face paint and kite-making ateliers.

A local café, yoga studio, and other partners also proposed entertainment and ran stands for the duration of the pop-up event on a 3,000m2 site that reflecting the industrial nature of the location in its decor.

The initiative was inspired by the Bruxelles-les-Bains summer beach that graced the quayside for many years until 2019.

With its interactive programming and relaxed atmosphere, Quai d’Été lays the foundation for a venue that could become a regular summer destination for Brussels residents, say organisers.

“When will the City finally organise events along the canal again?" is certainly the question I've been asked the most in recent years. I can now say that it has happened, and that the event was a resounding success,” says alderwoman for tourism and major events Delphine Houba. “A success that should definitely be replicated,” she added

For city mayor Philippe Close, “this great success shows that Brussels is still creating popular events that appeal to everyone, in a canal district that is reinventing and revitalising itself, especially in the summer, around a quayside spirit that continues to be popular.”

Photos: ©City of Brussels