Roller Parade - Namur Every Thursday evening!

From Thursday 1 July until 26 August, the Roller Parade returns to Namur. Every Thursday evening, roller skating enthusiasts will be able to complete a route of some twenty kilometres, supervised by around fifteen police officers trained in skating. The strong success of the Roller Parade in Namur last year prompted the organisers to do it again this year. As Carl de Moncharline, the initiator of the event, points out, between 600 and 1,500 participants from all over Wallonia set off on the ride each time. Many of them were also won over by the charm of Namur and did not hesitate to take part in several outings. For the 2004 edition, eight cities, four Flemish and four Walloon, agreed to host this extremely popular and convivial event. In the Walloon capital, the Roller Parade will take place every Thursday from 7 pm. Two routes will alternate. The first, 21.5 km long, will be inter-urban and will take participants along the Meuse as far as Lustin, before returning to Namur via Wépion and La Plante. The second route, 19 km long, will be essentially urban. Departures will be given at 8 pm from the patio of the Town Hall, rue de Fer in Namur. Returns should take place around 11 pm. Participants will be supervised by Namur police officers specially trained in roller skating. A "first aid" team will also be present at every outing. Among the new features, there will be the possibility, before the rides, of a one-hour introduction to roller skating. Bicycles will be welcome this year, provided they fully comply with the requirements of the Highway Code. For those who lace up their skates, the organisers finally recall that protective gear (helmets, lights, etc.) will be required for children and strongly recommended for adults. Barring absolutely dreadful weather, every Thursday this summer, skates will rule in Namur. J.F.L. Roller Parade - Namur. Every Thursday evening. Information: 0477/79.96.18 - www.belgiumrollers.com