I celebrate, you celebrate... They celebrate

INFORMATION FROM THE FEDERAL AUTHORITIES www.albert2.be Is dit Belgisch? C'est du belge! 10 years of reign of H.M. King Albert II 20-21/07/2003 Brussels Popular festivities .be The King and his entire family will be present in full force during the two days of celebration. Each member of the Royal Family will make an appearance at various locations, depending on their interests. Here is an overview of the events they will honor with their presence. JULY 20 From 11:00 to 11:45 am, our Sovereigns will attend the opening concert of the royal festivities. This concert will be given by the Prima La Musica Orchestra, under the direction of Dirk Brossé. It will take place in the inner courtyard of the Palais d'Egmont, where 200 seats are provided. Dirk Brossé will pay tribute to the King by dedicating his new composition, entitled "Sira", to him. Who better than our Prince Laurent to encourage roller skating enthusiasts? His presence is expected at the start of the Roller Parade, at 12:30 pm, near the Schuman roundabout (avenue de la Joyeuse Entrée). Prince Philippe, for his part, will participate in the Parade Vélo (Bike Parade). He will cover part of the route, which will start on rue Ducale at 2:30 pm. The exact location where he will join the procession remains secret. Surprise! As expected, the King will personally attend the departure of the Parade Moto (Motorcycle Parade), at 2:00 pm on boulevard du Centenaire, near the Atomium. Children also occupy an important place in these royal festivities. That is why Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz, accompanied by their children, will head to place Breughel to admire the artists of the "Cirque du Trottoir". They are expected between 2:00 and 6:00 pm. The entire Royal Family will also welcome a large number of Belgians from all walks of life during the Garden Party at the Castle of Laeken from 4:00 to 6:30 pm. Dirk Brossé will direct his musicians there and play the King's favorite tunes. In the evening, the Royal Family will also be present at the Palais des Beaux-Arts to attend a classical music concert. (These two activities are by invitation of the provincial governors only). Prince Laurent and Princess Claire have not forgotten the enthusiastic welcome given to them by the Marolles district during the mass celebrated by Father Gilbert. They will therefore gladly attend the Bal populaire on place du Jeu de Balle, where they are expected around 11:00 pm. JULY 21 Tradition dictates that the Royal Family be present at the various Te Deum services celebrated each year from 10:00 to 11:00 am in several parts of the country. In Brussels, the Te Deum will see the presence of the Royal Couple and Queen Fabiola. The entire Royal Family will attend the military parade from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. In the afternoon, from 3:30 pm, the family will stroll through the Brussels Park to discover the various stands. On July 21, all federal museums, even those outside central Brussels, will be accessible to the public for a symbolic one euro. Several federal museums will also welcome distinguished guests. The King and Queen will visit the Musée d'Art ancien while Queen Fabiola will visit the Musée des Instruments de Musique. Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde will take part in discovering the Roller Street Park (rue Caserne, Prince Albert), visit the civil protection information stands on rue de la Régence, and watch the activities of the local and federal police at Sablon. For Princess Astrid, Prince Lorenz, and their children, July 21 will also be festive. They will attend children's shows as a family at the Palais d'Egmont (from 3:00 to 6:00 pm), where the clown duo Okidok eagerly awaits them to celebrate. Perhaps they will also take a tour near the Red Cross stand? Finally, Prince Laurent and Princess Claire will spend the afternoon around Petit Sablon and place de la Chapelle, where Brussels' giants gather, among others. The Prince will also visit the IBGE (Brussels Institute for Environmental Management) stand. During the grand concert at place Poelaert, from 7:45 to 11:45 pm, featuring many talented Belgian artists, several members of the Royal Family will make an appearance, including of course our Sovereigns, to whom this concert is dedicated. To conclude these two days of celebration, the entire Royal Family will watch the fireworks display on place des Palais at 11:45 pm. SUNDAY 20 JULY THE THREE JOKERS: THE PARADES Via 3 specific routes, you will reach the heart of Brussels to join the party in the city center. Participants will be invited to wear the national colors, according to mood and imagination. THE ROLLER PARADE Gathering from 11:30 am in Parc du Cinquantenaire (Schuman roundabout side), departure at 12:30 pm Specially designed for the anniversary of the reign of Albert II, the route will invite participants to let off steam on thoroughfares that are usually inaccessible: Schuman - rue de la Loi - rue des Colonies - Cantersteen - bd de l'Empereur - pl de la Chapelle - rue Blaes - Porte de Hal - av Henri Jaspar - place Louise - Toison d'Or - Porte de Namur - av Marnix - pl du Trône - av des Arts - rue Belliard - Info: www.belgiumrollers.com In collaboration with Carl de Moncharline and his Belgium Roller Parade. THE MOTORCYCLE PARADE Gathering from 12:00 pm - Boulevard du Centenaire (Atomium), departure at 2:00 pm The Motorcycle Parade naturally honors King Albert II's passion for this motorsport The 20 km route will start from Heysel and pass through chaussée Romaine - av de l'Esplanade - av de Miramar - bd du Centenaire - av J Sobiesky - bd Emile Bockstael - bd du Jubilé - bd Léopold II - pl Sainctelette - bd d'Anvers - Rogier - porte de Schaerbeek - rue Royale - place des Palais - rue Ducale - rue Lambermont... ending at rue Belliard, bd du Régent or av des Arts. Info: www.motorcyclecouncil.be In collaboration with Febiac and the Motor Cycle Council. THE BIKE PARADE (20 km) Gathering from 12:30 pm, rue Ducale, departure at 2:00 pm The parade will take participants along thoroughfares rarely used by cyclists. It will pass through: rue Ducale - place des Palais - pl Royale - rue Montagne de la Cour - Coudenberg - Mont des Arts - bd de l'Empereur - pl de la Chapelle - rue Blaes - rue Pieremans - rue Haute - rue des Alexiens - pl Fontainas - bd Anspach - bd E. Jacqmain - bd Albert II - rue des Charbonniers - bd St Lazare - bd Pacheco - bd Berlaimont - bd de l'Impératrice - rue de Loxum - rue des Colonies - rue de la Loi - Rue Ducale (dispersal) Info: www.provelo.org In collaboration with Provelo.