Wednesday: No festival-goers on Rock Werchter field, but eclipse enthusiasts
Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Rock Werchter festival grounds will be open to the public on Wednesday evening to view a solar eclipse.
- This event marks the largest solar eclipse visible in Belgium since 1999, with about 90% of the sun being covered.
- Special eclipse glasses are required to view the phenomenon safely, and alternative viewing spots are available in Rotselaar.
The grounds of the Rock Werchter festival site, usually bustling with music fans, will transform into an astronomical viewing area on Wednesday evening. Festival-goers will not be present, but the space will be exceptionally opened to the public for viewing a significant solar eclipse.
There will be no festival-goers on the Rock Werchter grounds on Wednesday, but there will be lovers of the solar eclipse.
This celestial event is notable as it will be the largest solar eclipse visible in Belgium since 1999. The moon will pass in front of the sun, covering approximately 90% of its surface at its peak. The phenomenon is expected to begin around 7:18 PM, reach its maximum coverage at approximately 8:13 PM, and conclude around 9:05 PM.
The stage has been removed, so we can open the festival park to visitors.
Festival organizers have cleared the stage and facilities after the early July festival, making the park accessible. Mayor Jelle Wouters stated that the open space can accommodate many people and offers a clear view. In addition to the festival grounds, the rooftop terrace of the former Mena brewery in Rotselaar will also be accessible to local residents for viewing the eclipse.
Many people asked for a place to watch the solar eclipse together with friends. The festival grounds can accommodate many people and offer a good panoramic view.
Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.