Belgian music festivals report varying police interventions and safety levels

Recent editions of major Belgian music festivals, Lokerse Feesten and Pukkelpop, have seen varying levels of police activity and safety incidents.

During the Lokerse Feesten, police recorded 114 interventions, primarily involving fights, public intoxication, and public urination. These incidents resulted in 35 arrests, including 26 administrative and 9 judicial arrests, and left 11 people with injuries. Authorities also seized various drugs, including cannabis, MDMA, cocaine, and ketamine.

In contrast, Pukkelpop reported a high level of safety despite having over 66,000 daily visitors. Mayor Steven Vandeput noted the festival was exceptionally safe, with nearly 4,000 people seeking medical care—a decrease of 1,300 from the previous year. While 200 festival-goers were caught with drugs, resulting in 49,000 euros in immediate fines, officials attributed the higher number of detections to more efficient inspection methods. Police also conducted alcohol checks on 2,879 drivers, identifying 69 intoxicated drivers and 14 under the influence of drugs.