Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Beestig’s first edition at Ghent’s Beestenmarkt, hosted by Hip Hop Hooray, ends successfully with vibrant DJ sets and live music drawing strong crowds.
Mathieu Brouillet, the organizer, estimates that about 10,000 people came to the square.
“We’re hoping for another edition next year,”
he said.
‘Beestig’ was only authorized by the city of Ghent in May for Hip Hop Hooray.
“The hip-hop and urban concept will be a three-day test event,”
it was announced.
Thus, performances took place at the Oude Beestenmarkt for the first time since 2007, but just on the first weekend of the Ghent Festivities.
“We offered a different concept every day,”
says Mathieu Brouillet of Hip Hop Hooray, the organizer who set up ‘Beestig’ together with the cafés on the square.
“On day 1 we had live hip-hop performances, aiming for a young audience, with ‘Bitch don’t kill my vibe’ on day 2 only women on stage and on day 3 we offered a wide-open techno concept with 3 young DJs.”
Concerns over noise pollution and the potential for growth in the upcoming years were voiced by locals. In Belgium, Alderman Joris Vandenbroucke (For Ghent) was elected.
“We’ve been transparent with the residents and have ultimately received only one complaint in the past three days. We now aim for a thorough follow-up meeting with the residents and want to hear their expectations for the coming years.”
What impact did Hip Hop Hooray’s first Beestig have on local community engagement?
Hip Hop Hooray’s first Beestig event at Oude Beestenmarkt had a positive impact on local community engagement by fostering inclusivity, cultural expression, and social interaction within Ghent’s urban environment. Drawing approximately 10,000 visitors, the festival combined music, sports, and social spaces to actively engage a diverse audience, especially younger people.
‘Beestig’ transformed the historically significant Oude Beestenmarkt into a vibrant space for hip hop, R&B, techno, and related urban arts, thereby revitalizing public use of the square and encouraging community gatherings.
Daytime sports like open-air spinning and skate contests offered interactive, inclusive experiences beyond music, encouraging broader community involvement and active lifestyles.
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