Hagherock Festival Cancelled After Scabies Outbreak

The 26th edition of Hagherock, an annual music festival for people with disabilities in Tienen, Belgium, has been cancelled after several cases of scabies were detected within the organizing foundation, Stichting M.M. Delacroix. The festival was scheduled for June 24 on Campus Ten Haghedorne in Hakendover, with headliners De Romeo’s and Yves Segers set to perform.

According to VRT NWS, the cancellation was announced as a preventive measure to avoid further spread of the highly contagious skin condition. The Music for Specials concert, scheduled for June 19, was also cancelled.

A Precautionary Decision

In an official statement, Stichting M.M. Delacroix emphasized that the decision was made with public health as the top priority. “Although it concerns a limited number of cases, we choose to take no risks as a precaution,” the foundation said. “The health and well-being of our residents, employees, volunteers, and visitors always come first.”

The foundation is following guidance from the Flemish Department of Care (Departement Zorg) and its External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work. On their advice, all cross-group activities within the facility have been temporarily suspended.

Scabies, known medically as scabiës, is a contagious skin condition caused by the scabies mite. It causes intense itching, particularly at night, along with blisters, redness, and scaling. While uncomfortable, it is not dangerous and is treatable with medication. However, its incubation period can last two to six weeks, making undetected spread a significant concern in communal living settings.

A Festival for Inclusion

Hagherock is not an ordinary music festival. Organized annually by Stichting M.M. Delacroix — a care facility for people with intellectual and other disabilities — the event is specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. It attracts over 1,000 visitors each year, including attendees, supervisors, and well-known Flemish artists.

Previous editions featured performers such as Sergio and Belle Perez. This year’s lineup included De Romeo’s and Yves Segers, and anticipation had been building for what promised to be a memorable celebration of music and community.

As the foundation noted in its statement, “We were looking forward to enjoying music, atmosphere, and togetherness with the many visitors. Nevertheless, we are convinced that this is the most responsible choice.”

Hope for Rescheduling

While the cancellation has disappointed many, there is a possibility that Hagherock may still take place later in the year. The organization confirmed it is exploring whether the festival can be rescheduled.

“For Hagherock, we are currently looking into whether we can organize the festival at a later date,” the foundation stated on its official website. “As soon as there is more clarity, we will of course inform everyone immediately.”

Het Laatste Nieuws reported that the organization thanked the public for their understanding and trust, expressing hope for a future opportunity to “make it a fantastic party again.”

Broader Implications

The incident highlights the challenges faced by care facilities in managing contagious conditions within communal living environments. The Flemish Department of Care has specific protocols for scabies outbreaks in collective settings, and in June 2024 launched a campaign called “Schurft is niet schattig” (Scabies is not cute) to raise awareness about the condition.

Local broadcaster ROBtv noted that the suspension of cross-group activities will affect daily life at the facility beyond just the festival, as all activities where different living groups come together have been temporarily halted.

What to Watch For

Several questions remain unanswered. It is unclear how many individuals were infected, how long the suspension of group activities will last, and what financial impact the cancellation will have on the foundation. Ticket holders are awaiting information about potential compensation or arrangements for a rescheduled event.

For now, the Hagherock community — performers, organizers, and festival-goers alike — must wait for word on whether the music will play again in 2026.