Youth movement events in Belgium adjusted due to storm Austen

The upcoming Youth Movement Day events in several Belgian regions are being modified or canceled due to the predicted storm Austen.

In Leuven, the large-scale gathering at Bruulpark has been canceled entirely. Officials stated that the risk posed by tents, banners, and large trees in the park made the event unsafe, and the short notice prevented finding a suitable indoor alternative for the thousands of expected participants.

In Tienen, the planned afternoon activities, including pizza distribution at the Schapenmarkt, have also been canceled, though pizzas will be delivered to youth movements over the weekend.

Other locations have implemented alternatives. Diest has moved its activities to the Textuur youth meeting center to ensure the event can proceed safely. Similarly, Kortenberg has opted for an indoor location. In Sint-Niklaas, while the morning show on the Grote Markt will continue, organizers have advised attendees to dress warmly and bring rain gear, as no large canopy will be installed. Several evening and afternoon programs, including the youth movement battles and the 'Nacht van de Jeugdbeweging', have been moved to indoor venues like KOLAB to avoid weather-related disruptions.