Culture beat – February 20

Brussels’ top book fair, the Foire du livre de Bruxelles , boasts an English-language slant this year with guest country the UK hosting the international pavilion. With the recent publication of his Brussels-set novel Expo 58, Jonathan Coe heads a delegation of writers that include Antony Beevor, Stephen Clarke, RJ Ellory, Patrick McGuinness, Anne Fine and James Meek.  It opens today (Thursday) under the banner History, spelled with an H as in ‘hatchett, highlighting all things historic, marking in particular the centenary of the outbreak of the First world war and the 20th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide. The literary fair has talks, book signings, readings and numerous other events, including a gourmet palace worth a detour for its tantalising food and drink stands, cooking demos and extensive collection of foodie books and accessories. Until February 24 at Tour & Taxis.

Unsurprisingly, Belgian French-language comedy Les Rayures du Zèbre is Wallonia’s current box office hit. Namur director Benoît Mariage (Cowboy) teams up with favourite actor Benoît Poelvoorde for the fourth time in what is his most popular film to date. Poelvoorde (Podium) incarnates a Brussels football agent, finely balancing gold-chain sleaze with a passion for the beautiful game and the Ivory Coast which he regularly visits when scouting for talent. The discovery of rough diamond Yaya, a promising player who he brings to Belgium, enables Mariage to explore the continuing complex relationship between Europe and Africa.  An amusing drama, but one that tackles serious topics with a rare subtlety.

Belgians profess to have a brick in the stomach and the annual shrine to bricks and mortar, the Batibouw fair, opens today (Thursday) for building pros and the general public from Saturday until March 2. Even if you are not planning to build your own home from scratch, the annual event at Brussels Expo is a one-stop shop for ideas, advice and contacts for buying, improving and decorating your home. It also provides up-to-date info on green and low-energy housing, including all the latest rules and legislation.

For live indie-rock this Friday evening, head to Café Bonnefooi where Suck it and See perform with Sea People. The sixth edition of the indie rock night also promises DJs Twisted Melon, Souligan and Brett Summers.

There’s no excuse not to be a museum buff when no less than 24 of the capital’s temples to culture open their doors until late this Saturday evening, from 19.00-1.00. Museum Night Fever celebrates its 7th edition with an even bigger bag of party tricks: musicians, DJs, performers, dancers, actors, light sculptors and fashion students all lay on alternative entertainment in a multidisciplinary programme. Exhibitions worth visiting are the newly-opened Zubarán and Michaël Borremans at Bozar, Duane Hanson at Ixelles Museum and The Neo-Impressionist Portrait at the ING Cultural Centre. There are STIB shuttles (included in ticket price of €9 presale, €14 on day) running between many venues and the afterparty (from 1.00, €5 supplement) .