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Thousands attend 21 July celebrations amid heightened security

15:43 22/07/2016

Belgium’s National Day celebrations took place yesterday amid tighter than usual security. About 60,000 people attended the military parade in Brussels, which this year was dedicated to the emergency services and their work in response to the terrorist attacks on 22 March.

The night before, the Bal National, a dance evening held on Place du Jeu de Balle in the Marolles district of the capital, attracted 12,500 people – substantially fewer than last year’s 17,000. Organisers said the turnout was “a success given the current context”. There was an homage to Jacques Brel by Flemish singer Filip Jordens and a performance by former Eurovision contestant Kate Ryan.

The next day, the square was transformed into Resto National, a giant restaurant serving mussels and fries. More than 1,200 people attended, among them 150 homeless people, who could enjoy a meal for only €1.

In Ghent, 150,000 people turned out for the eve of National Day celebrations, fewer than last year but still the busiest evening of the Gentse Feesten so far. The Korenmarkt was briefly evacuated for a “suspect situation” but it proved to be a false alarm.

On the morning of 21 July, the royal couple and their four children attended the traditional Te Deum in the Brussels cathedral, officiated by Archbishop Jozef De Kesel. Public turnout outside the church was sparse –500 people instead of last year’s 1,500 – because of tight security in the area, including rooftop snipers. The king and queen greeted those present after the service.

The only problem experienced during the parade itself was the heat: civil defence forces passed out water to the crowds. For the first time, customs officers took part in the parade, as a token of thanks for their assistance at Brussels Airport on the morning of the bomb attack, as well as their work on the country’s borders immediately after.

Finally, 25,000 people stayed for the fireworks display on the Place des Palais at 23.00, with the king and queen and Crown Princess Elisabeth. The 100,000 fireworks were accompanied by a selection of theme tunes from films and TV shows.

In his televised address on the eve of National Day, King Philippe called on the population to keep in mind the country’s strengths and to have confidence in the future. Among factors that risk exposing fault lines in society, he mentioned the terrorist attacks, a succession of crises and the unrest within Europe caused by the British referendum decision to leave the EU.

“Fault lines between rich and poor, young and old. Between those with access to knowledge and information and those with none. Between those who feel at home and those who are looking for a home. Between those who want to move forward, and those who want to hold on to what they have.

“We must beware of false prophets, who play on people’s emotions, who manipulate these fault lines and people’s vulnerabilities. They are keen to point to scapegoats, and to deepen the gulf between religions, peoples, and in the end between all of us. It is more urgent than ever that we strengthen the things that create cohesion and justice in our society.”

Photo: Imago

Written by Alan Hope