Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium, the centre of the Eurozone and the best city for chocolate, waffles and fries. Brussels offers millennia of history, fascinating architecture and lots of music.
That's right, the centre of Belgium is filled with music as soon as spring arrives. We're not just talking about live music venues, but some of the best music festivals in the world. One of the best examples is the Rock Werchter festival, which has been held since 1976.
The history of the Rock Werchter festival is not written by time, but by the artists who perform on its stage. A good example of this is that if you try to look for information about its history, and click on the History section of its official website, you will only find posters of past editions.
Dire Straits, Robert Palmer, Elvis Costello, Talking Heads, U2, The Pretenders, Peter Gabriel, Simple Minds, Van Morrison, Depeche Mode, R.E.M., Sting, Iggy Pop, UB40 and these are just a few of the festival's legendary names. Surprised? We have only reviewed the 80s. We haven't yet reviewed the 90s with names like Bob Dylan, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bryan Adams, Metallica, Lenny Kravitz and a long etcetera of music legends.
What to expect at the Rock Werchter Festival 2024
The 2024 edition will take place from 4 to 7 July and a full house is practically guaranteed. The average attendance is 88,000 spectators, among which you will find true rock lovers or people who simply love the atmosphere of what is the best festival in the country, with the exception of Tomorrowland, although they are not really in competition as they focus on different musical genres.
The Werchter lovers will fill the four zones where great international rock artists such as The Kooks, Bad Omens or Dropkick Murphys will perform, as well as some artists with more pop sounds such as Dua Lipa, Zara Larsoon or Avril Lavigne. And how can we forget groups that go beyond musical genres and create true anthems such as Lenny Kravitz, Black Pumas or the Foo Fighters themselves.
Where is the Rock Werchter 2024 festival taking place?
Belgium's biggest Rock music festival will be held in the Festivalpark Werchter in the municipality of Rotselaar. The town goes all out for the festival and the excellent connection between Brussels and the festival means that you can go from listening to your favourite band to your bed in the centre of Brussels, the Latroupe Grand Place Hostel Brussels, in less than an hour and twenty minutes by public transport.
Where to stay during Rock Werchter 2024?
The best option is undoubtedly the best hostel in the Belgian capital; Latroupe Grand Place Hostel Brussels. Its connection to the Rock Werchter festival is fantastic, thanks to the quality of the Belgian public transport service, and you have all the comforts of staying in the centre of a big city.
If you prefer to stay where it all happens, in the heart of the festival, then camping at the Rock Werchter festival is your option. The organisers have set up a specially dedicated space for all those who want to live the most intense and complete Rock Werchter experience. Welcome to The Hive.
With access to Central Park, the meeting point for all festival goers, The Hive welcomes all those looking for a place to camp and share experiences with like-minded people.
Also, if you don't want to bring your own tent, you have the option of getting one there or staying in the area known as The Hive Resort, for those looking for superior camping, camping in style, that´s glamping.
If you enjoy the festival, but need your own space and some peace and quiet to relax, then of course we still recommend Latroupe Grand Place Hostel Brussels, but if you don't want to leave the festival, then you can go to The Hive My Space where with your own tent, or one purchased there, you have a pitch with extra space.
The last option is to camp at the campsite near the Festivalpark. You can actually walk to the Rock Werchter festival every morning, although this site is not organised by the festival, but is a private campsite.