What’s on this week: 5-11 August

With its two massive open-air stages for international headliners and just as many club stages for local bands, Brussels Summer Festival is the biggest city music festival. Highlights of this 15th anniversary edition of BSF include British pop-rock singer Peter Doherty, French alt-rock veterans Louise Attaque and legendary Belgian underground rock group La Muerte.
5-14 August, multiple venues around Brussels

On 9 August, for the 708th consecutive year, the Brotherhood of the Companions of Saint Laurence will do their best to plant a young beech tree on a corner in the Marais district downtown before 17.00 or Brussels will lose the right to plant, which will go to Leuven. Despite a close call in 1939 when some Leuveners stole the tree and the occupation periods during the two wars when the planting had to be done surreptitiously they have never missed a year. What does the Meiboom mean for us? An opportunity to enjoy a day of Unesco-recognised folklore during which the Buumdroegers will carry the tree and the Poependroegers will operate the giants and various marching bands and others will make their way circuitously from the Marais to the Grand-Place and back again to plant the tree before 17.00. Then everyone relaxes during a festive street party complete with musical performances and lots of beer.
9 August 13.45 from Rue du Marais, 14.45 on Grand-Place

Ostend’s annual sand sculpture festival returns with some familiar faces. This year’s edition is dedicated to stars of film, music and sport, from classic personalities like Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe to the hype-brokers of the 21st century, internet-age stars like Justin Bieber and Beyonce. There are also local heroes in the collection, namely former Ostend resident Marvin Gaye and Ostend-born rock singer Arno. The festival’s 150 giant sand sculptures, created by 40 artists from 12 countries, form a 1km walking tour. The exhibition is wheelchair accessible and can be enjoyed rain or shine.
Until 4 September, Zeeheldenplein, Ostend

Festival season rolls on with the Lokerse Feesten. While not as extensive as the Gentse Feesten, Lokeren’s equivalent brings in loads of international headliners in addition to national favourites. Flanders is ably represented by the likes of Trixie Whitley (8 August), Arno (9 August) and Selah Sue (11 August). Among the visiting artists are folk-rock icon Van Morrison (9 August) and metal legends Slayer (7 August). Camping is available nearby. Children under 12 enter the festival grounds for free.
5-14 August, Grote Kaai, Lokeren