Alternative poster for Ghent Festivities launched: "Official posters are far too slick"

The official posters for the Ghent Festivities have sparked considerable debate, with many finding them too polished and lacking diversity. In response, the Trefpunt and Vlasmarkt squares have unveiled their own alternative poster, aiming to capture the true essence of the beloved city festival.

“

This image captures the city festival much better than the 'slick' posters we've seen this year.

This new poster features two revelers who appear to have partied a little too hard, a stark contrast to the city's official campaign images. "This image captures the city festival much better than the 'slick' posters we've seen this year," stated Edmond Cocquyt of Trefpunt. He further criticized the official visuals, comparing them to advertisements for shopping centers or beer brands, and expressed a desire for the city to release the color version of their alternative poster.

“

It looks like advertising images for a shopping center, a beer brand, a LGBTI cafe or a playground.

The alternative poster is a remake of an old photograph of Walter De Buck and Gust Buysse, figures considered foundational to the modern Ghent Festivities. Buysse, like Cocquyt, was known for his media-savvy stunts. The Trefpunt and Vlasmarkt squares plan to distribute this black-and-white version in other cities to promote the festivities, believing it resonates more authentically with the public than the official campaign.

“

We have heard that the city deliberately withheld this image.

While the city's official posters were created from a montage of previous festival photos and studio shots, denying AI involvement, the public's reaction suggests a preference for a more raw and relatable depiction. This grassroots initiative highlights a disconnect between the official marketing and the lived experience of the festival, with local organizers stepping in to offer a more authentic representation.

“

We have the poster, in black and white, managed to get it. We now demand that the city also releases the color image.