Roll on festival season in Belgium! Check out some of the grooviest gatherings this summer

Festival Musical de Namur  The theme of this year’s classical music series Festivals of Wallonia is ‘It’s A Mad World’, reflecting how ‘madness’ seems to have contributed to artistic works throughout history. The summer-long programme in Namur offers a range of musical styles, from baroque and jazz, to classical, tango, contemporary and world music. Until 11 September, multiple venues, Namur 

The Bruxellons Festival  Proudly presenting 18 different French-language shows, one highlight of this summer theatrical pageant is the musical masterpiece Elisabeth, tracing the fascinating life of a mythical empress who risks everything for freedom. The festival is a city summer favourite, offering a perfect evening out, complete with a pre-show buffet to enjoy in a wonderful water-side setting. Until 27 September, Château du Karreveld, Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Brussels

Fire is Gold  One of the last hurrahs in Belgium’s festival summer is Fire is Gold, a music festival for sure but one that also celebrates hip-hop and rap culture in all its many forms, be it fashion, sport or diversity. Aside from the day-long line-up of local and international musicians and DJs are a tattoo studio, skatepark and debates. Dress comfortably – but cool. 3 September, Antwerp