The summers have been freezing without Reggae Geel. No Jamaican soundsystems to go wild. No midday naps in the Belse Bossen hammocks. And especially no weekend with the pleasure of being together in the relaxed atmosphere typical of the festival. But the days of misery are behind us. Nearly 50,000 festival-goers can’t wait to take part in their annual two-day high mass of ska, dub, roots, rocksteady and dancehall. For the jubilee edition, the organizers have even added an extra evening: on August 4, the (free) preparty will start in the One Love Tent on the campsite. Long live Jamaica!
One Love
A huge birthday party deserves even bigger names. Reggae Geel has pulled out all the stops this year to make it a top-notch edition. Traditionally, the organizers bring the cream of Jamaica to Campine on one of their four stages: mainstage (live concerts), Bounce Dancehall (Dancehall), 18” Corner (Dub) and Tallawah.
Friday’s highlights are
However, the hours will be counted down to Saturday, when
Against bitterness
In addition to its impressive line-up, the festival still has a few “surprises” in store for its jubilee. But it’s still top secret for now. New this year is that the festival becomes a completely cashless event. It therefore now follows in the footsteps of the majority of Belgian festivals and works with a top-up system via the festival wristband. And if you are a little tired of camping, you can also book a FestiTent or a Festipi in the campsite from this edition: no problem with tents and mattresses, but a festival tent ready to go. use. Handy after a night spent on the dub scene.
On Reggae Geel website one can read that the festival “wishes to counterbalance the souring of society and growing individualism”. And he’s been doing it with panache for 41 editions. Thanks also to its democratic prices, Reggae Geel is truly a solidarity festival for all. And it’s more than music: it’s also culture, entertainment on the sidelines and delicious world cuisine. Everything revolves around fairtrade and ecology. And the exceptional relaxed atmosphere? It is free and to be shared with everyone!
Reggae Geel takes place at Malosewaver in Geel. A shuttle runs daily between Geel station and the festival. Combined entry costs €80, Friday entry €45 and Saturday entry €55. The festival is free for children under 12. Camping costs €25. A FestiTent or a Festipi from €50.
Annual high mass of ska, dub, roots, rocksteady and dancehall, the Reggae Geel festival is back