The ten key moments of the festival

The festivities will be so grand that it will be difficult to see everything. So, follow the guide... This National Day will not be a celebration like any other. And for good reason: it will celebrate, slightly in advance, the ten-year reign of King Albert II. For the occasion, the programme of festivities promises to be exceptional (detailed programme in yesterday's editions) and hundreds of thousands of Belgians are expected in the streets of the capital this Sunday and Monday. To make sure you don't miss anything, we suggest its ten key moments: > Family Roller Parade. Young and old are expected with skates on their feet from 12:30 pm on Sunday at Parc du Cinquantenaire (Schuman side). Prince Laurent will give the kickoff. The route: Cinquantenaire, rue de la Loi, Royal Park (around 2:30 pm). Black, yellow, and red are strongly recommended! Note for roller fans: the Roller Street Park on Sunday and Monday afternoon at the Prince Albert barracks. > Motorbike Parade. It will start at the Atomium around 2:00 pm on Sunday in the presence of Albert II. The motorcyclists will then take the main avenues of central Brussels up to Place des Palais. Atmosphere guaranteed! > Royal Bike Parade. Departure of the joyful group (always in tricolour, the organizers hope) accompanied by Prince Philippe and Guy Verhofstadt at Place des Palais on Sunday at 2:00 pm. A short tour around Brussels and return an hour and a half later. > Popular Ball. Sunday evening at Place du Jeu de Balle, in the heart of the Marolles, lantern ball (here too, tricolour spirit is required). The square will transform into a dance floor with giant disco balls. DJs and live performances by artists: Annie Cordy, Jaune Toujours, Le Grand Jojo, atmosphere guaranteed! This National Day, this Monday, will not be a celebration like any other. > Military Parade. Start of the parade at 2:00 pm on Monday in the presence of members of the royal family and the government in particular. The parade returns to Place des Palais this year. > Festival in the Park. It is a tradition handed down year after year: the Royal Park buzzes with all kinds of entertainment for all audiences. And it always welcomes a large crowd. Monday, starting at 10:00 am. > Soapbox Race. Here is an unusual spectacle to say the least: a soapbox race at Mont des Arts on Monday from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The vehicles, described as "ultra aerodynamic and original", will set off from Place Royale and speed down Mont des Arts. > Various Entertainment. The whole centre of Brussels will be celebrating. We can only advise you to simply wander from one site to another and enjoy the atmosphere: musical bands everywhere, tastings of Brussels specialities, folklore entertainment, special flea market on Monday morning at Place du Jeu de Balle, musical shows for children (Monday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Palais d'Egmont), crafts, circus shows, free admission to many buildings (museums, etc.). > Concert. An exceptional concert, filled with surprises and video clips projected on a giant screen, will bring together many renowned Belgian artists. It will take place at the foot of the Palais de Justice on Monday from 7:45 pm. Among the artists: Khadja Nin, Sttellla, Jean-Louis Daulne, Annie Cordy, Toots Thielemans, Urban Trad, Philippe Lafontaine... > Fireworks. Monday at 11:45 pm, Place des Palais (be careful to arrive early to secure a good spot, as buildings or trees might obstruct your view). It will be particularly exceptional to celebrate the ten-year reign of the King. Blending light and fire, with image projections, it will make us relive the important moments of this reign. A truly wonderful moment to conclude a colourful celebration. PALACE Royal Family: where to spot them this weekend? Members of the royal family will take part in the celebrations. A quick look at where you might spot them. > Sunday. From 11:00 am to 11:45 am, the Sovereigns will attend the concert given at Palais d'Egmont. Shortly before 2:00 pm, the King will head to the Atomium to start the Motorbike Parade. At the same time, his son Philippe will kick off the Bike Parade on Rue Ducale. Meanwhile, Prince Laurent will start the Roller Parade near the Schuman roundabout at 12:30 pm. Princess Astrid, her husband, and children will head to Place Breughel to admire the show. They are expected "between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm", but from 4:00 pm they will likely be called to attend, along with all other members of the royal family, the garden party at Laeken Castle. There, only the roughly 2,000 guests (including 880 from civil society) will be able to see them. Additionally, Laurent and Claire remain faithful to the Marolles, as the charming couple should be spotted at the popular ball around 11:00 pm. > Monday. The day will begin with Te Deum services across the country between 10:00 am and 11:00 am. The royal couple and Queen Fabiola will be visible at the Cathedral of Saint... full (without Mathilde, however) will meet at Place des Palais at 2:00 pm to watch the parade, before splitting up to explore the stands at the park festival (Royal Park around 3:30 pm). The King and Queen are expected (time unknown) at the Museum of Ancient Art, while Fabiola is announced at the Musical Instruments Museum. Philippe will visit the Roller Street Park, while Astrid, Lorenz, and the children will attend children's shows at Palais d'Egmont (3:00 pm to 6:00 pm). Claire and Laurent will stroll at Petit Sablon. Certain members of the family will attend the evening concert at Place Poe- [...]