Today's Top Stories - August 6, 2012

Pukkelpop victims remembered

The death of five festival-goers in a freak storm on 18 August 2011 at Pukkelpop was commemorated yesterday at the festival site in Kiewit, the festival’s official website reports. Nearly 2000 people attended the memorial service. Brief memorial speeches were given by family members and friends of those who died, plus mayor Hilde Claes and festival organiser Chokri Mahassine. A memorial statue, designed by local Hasselt artist Tom Vanuytrecht, was also unveiled. The monument (pictured) will have a permanent home across from the festival site and will be open to the public. Visitors will also be able to visit the monument at any moment during this year’s Pukkelpop festival on August 16 to 18. Family members and friends paid tribute to the victims and shared stories of their loved ones on the website. The message was clear: celebrate the spirit of life by continuing to make Pukkelpop a festive occasion, a place where young people come together to have fun and be happy. In continuing this tradition, Pukkelpop becomes a tribute to the victims, not just this year but every year.

Read the full report on the official Pukkepop website.

Both Borlée brothers in 400m final in London

Belgium medal hopefuls Kevin and Jonathan Borlée are both running in the 400m Olympic final this evening. In the semi-finals on Sunday night Kevin qualified automatically by finishing second in 44.84 seconds, while Jonathan secured his place as fastest qualifier after coming in third in 44.99. In the first heat on Saturday Jonathan ran a surprise 44.43 to finish the fastest of the round and notch up a new Belgian record. But following his explosive entry into the competition, he woke up on Sunday morning with a muscle cramp in his right thigh. Despite physiotherapy all day, he said the injury slowed him down in the semi-final. Intensive physio continues today for Jonathan. With the early exit of defending Olympic champion American LaShawn Merritt in the first-round, the 24-year old twins are both setting their sight on podium positions. Their greatest opposition is likely to come from world champion Kirani James of Granada and world junior champion Luquelin Santos of Dominican Republican. The final is scheduled for 22.30 (Belgian time). Jonathan is running in lane 2 and Kevin lane 9.

Flamboyant politician Michel Daerden dies aged 62

The former socialist minister Michel Daerden, a popular and controversial figure on the Belgian political landscape, died on Sunday in Fréjus in the south of France. He had been in hospital since July 25 after suffering a double heart attack while on holiday, and had been placed in an induced coma. Several attempts by French doctors to resuscitate him failed. An MP, senator, mayor, regional and federal minister, Daerden was affectionately known as “Papa”, especially in Ans, on the outskirts of Liège, where he served as mayor from 1993 to 2011. His larger-than-life personality (chiefly his excessive drinking and unabashed womanising), combined with a naturally slurred speech impediment, made him a cult hero – something he rather enjoyed, proudly dubbing himself “the Serge Gainsbourg of Belgian politics”. A figure of fun, ridicule and adoration in equal measures, he was above all a man of the people and a technically rigorous politician with a remarkable gift for financial figures.

Brussels Underground artworks in poor condition

The works of art, mostly paintings, which grace Brussels’ metro stations are deteriorating. The main reason is the passage of time, but acts of vandalism are also to blame. It was announced a month ago that Brussels public transport company STIB would spend one million euros towards new works of art to be displayed in underground stations. In the meantime, however, the company must address the pressing issue of the existing deteriorating paintings. Brussels Region MP Danielle Caron used Jean-Michel’s painting ‘Magic City’ (pictured), on display at Montgomery station, as a prime example of this, saying that “everyone can see that the colourful concentric arches are fading”.

Antwerp Museum Night reports roaring success

More than 6,000 people participated in Saturday evening’s Antwerp Museum Night. Some 15 museums in the port city opened their doors from 19.00 to 1.00. Visitors also took part in a treasure hunt of 17 artworks hidden across the city. It was ‘finders’ keepers’ for anyone lucky to find one of the works by promising young artists. In addition to the museum openings, other events included a baroque fancy-dress with photo shoot, action painting with fluorescent paint, a costume ball and concerts and dance performances. All 6,000 visitors to the 8th edition of the event will also be able to visit one of the participating museums free for one day until the end of the month.