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๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช Belgium /Culture & Society

Hasselt teen festival moves indoors due to predicted heat

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • The 'We R Young' teen festival in Hasselt, Belgium, is moving activities indoors due to predicted high temperatures.
  • The festival, now in its 9th edition, will utilize indoor spaces with air conditioning to ensure attendees' comfort and safety.
  • Organizers are also providing free water, ice cream, sunscreen, and have an on-site first aid post.

The 'We R Young' teen festival in Hasselt, Belgium, is taking precautionary measures against the anticipated heatwave by relocating most of its activities indoors. The festival, set to hold its 9th edition, is scheduled to take place tomorrow.

Festival organizers, led by Alderman Dries Martens (Vooruit), confirmed that the shift indoors is due to the availability of air-conditioned spaces. Initially, many activities were planned for outdoor settings. "Because we have cooling air conditioning there," Martens stated, emphasizing the priority placed on the well-being of the young attendees.

Because we have cooling air conditioning there.

โ€” Dries MartensExplaining the decision to move festival activities indoors.

'We R Young' is designed for adolescents aged 12 to 16 and will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., coinciding with the hottest part of the day. The decision to move indoors was made after considering canceling the event altogether. In addition to the indoor venues, the festival will offer free water, ice cream, and sunscreen to help attendees cope with the heat. A first aid station will also be on standby to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the teenagers.

We are therefore taking the necessary measures to ensure that the attending teenagers can have fun safely. There will also be a first aid post on standby.

โ€” Dries MartensReassuring about the safety measures in place for the festival.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.