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🇧🇪 Belgium /Culture & Society

Rock Zottegem festival implements extra heat measures, enhances accessibility

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • The Rock Zottegem music festival is implementing extra measures to protect attendees from the heat during its 32nd edition.
  • These measures include doubling free water points, providing more shaded areas with large safari tents, and offering free sunscreen.
  • The festival is also enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities through a new WhatsApp buddy system, ensuring everyone can enjoy the event safely.

The 32nd edition of the Rock Zottegem music festival is taking significant steps to ensure visitor safety and comfort amidst high temperatures. Organizers have introduced a series of measures designed to combat the heat, aiming to provide a more enjoyable experience for the estimated 35,000 attendees expected over the weekend.

We offer these because we noticed during the previous heatwave that people actively seek out shady spots.

— Kurt De Loor, organizerExplaining the rationale behind providing additional shaded areas at the festival.

A key focus is on hydration and shade. The festival has doubled the number of free water points compared to previous editions. Additionally, large safari tents, measuring over 20 by 15 meters, have been erected across the grounds to offer ample shaded areas. "We offer these because we noticed during the previous heatwave that people actively seek out shady spots," explained organizer Kurt De Loor.

And just like in other editions, we naturally provide free sunscreen and there are free water points.

— Kurt De Loor, organizerHighlighting the provision of essential freebies for attendee comfort.

To further mitigate heat-related issues, especially within the main tent during performances, organizers have improved air circulation by removing side sails. They have also relocated the bars from inside the tent to the outside, creating more space for people to shelter from the sun. The festival will also broadcast the Rode Duivels' quarter-final match on a big screen.

The number of water points has been doubled for this exceptionally warm edition.

— Kurt De Loor, organizerEmphasizing the increased provision of free water due to the exceptionally warm weather.

Rock Zottegem is also introducing a new initiative called the 'Buddy' system. This service connects individuals with physical or mental disabilities, or their caregivers, with a dedicated person via WhatsApp. Buddies can assist with practical questions, provide location updates, or request assistance, including guiding attendees around the festival grounds or taking them to a quiet area if needed. "This way, everyone can celebrate with peace of mind," De Loor added, ensuring inclusivity for all festival-goers.

We have therefore decided to move the bars, which are normally inside the tent, to the outside.

— Kurt De Loor, organizerDescribing a measure taken to improve space and airflow within the main tent.
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.

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