Did you know that Rock Werchter turns 50 this year?

Half a century ago, a small festival saw the light of day in Werchter, a part of Rotselaar (in the province of Flemish Brabant). Now it’s one of the best-known festivals in the world. 

Nowadays, the full Werchter experience involves four thrilling days with more stages than one knows what to do with, but on 12 July 1975, the humble rock and blues festival lasted one day, and there was only one stage, welcoming all of six artists and bands of homegrown talent – that is to say, Belgian. 

It was organised by the Chiro (a Belgian youth organisation) and the only food they served was hot dogs, and they sold Primus beer. There was no security team, no wristbands, the festival came from very humble beginnings. 

In the present day, the festival is part of a much bigger circuit – Belgians truly can enjoy a full summer of music, between Werchter, Pukkelpop, Suikerrock and many more – and it has various spinoffs like TW Classic and Werchter Boutique.  

Have you been to a Belgian festival for? To which one? Or is there a festival in Belgium that you’re dreaming of going to but you haven’t gotten there yet? We’d love to know.