SafetyLocal News
Police Warn of Deadly Risks After Ghent Bridge Jump
After a young man jumped from Sint-Michielsbrug into shallow water at Polé Polé, Ghent police warn of hidden dangers beneath the surface.
—4 min read
Tag
#Gentse Feesten
9 articles
Society
Gentse Feesten: Violence Up, Overcrowding Fuels Safety Row
Police report 47 fights in 5 days at Ghent's iconic festival as visitors blame overcrowding. The 31% rise in incidents sparks political debate over safety.
—5 min read
CultureSociety
Isabelle A Drops Hit 'Blank of Zwart' After Language Debate
Isabelle A removes her 1991 hit 'Blank of Zwart' from her Gentse Feesten setlist after controversy over the Dutch word 'blank' and its racial connotations.
—4 min read
CultureMusic
Ghent's Most Striking Fanfare Celebrates 20 Years of Music
Die Verdammte Spielerei, Ghent's beloved street fanfare, marks 20 years with daily performances at the Gentse Feesten.
—4 min read
CrimePublic Safety
Man Stabbed Near Ghent Festival Zone, Suspects at Large
A 19-year-old man was stabbed near the Ghent Festival zone on Monday. Three masked suspects fled and remain at large as police launch a manhunt.
—4 min read
Culture & Events
Can Gentse Feesten Stay Free? Rising Costs Threaten Event
Europe's largest free street festival faces an uncertain future as rising costs and changing visitor habits threaten its unique funding model.
—4 min read
Culture & Entertainment
Gentse Feesten 2026: Lajoie's Farewell, New Crowd Limits
The 183rd Gentse Feesten opens with five processions, a farewell from cabaret legend Dirk Lajoie, and first-ever visitor limits on the Vlasmarkt.
—5 min read
TechnologySociety
Ghent Deploys AI Screen to Curb Night Noise at Festival
Ghent uses an AI-powered smart screen at the Gentse Feesten to nudge festival-goers to keep noise down, blending technology with behavioral science.
—4 min read
Culture & Events
Ghent Festivities: Vlasmarkt Gets 4,000-Visitor Cap
Ghent Festivities organizers introduce a 4,000-person capacity limit on Vlasmarkt square to improve crowd safety during the 10-day festival.
—4 min read