In Brussels, nature and environment are an ordinary part of life. But they are also cause for celebration! This is something you will be able to see for yourself at the Environment Festival, which will take place from 2 to 4 June. Organised around the theme of "Nature in the City", the festival will be a fun way to see the "green" side of the Belgian capital, learn about concrete solutions to better protect the planet, understand the environmental challenges being faced, and participate in a number of activities open to those of all ages, physical conditions, and handicaps. The more, the merrier!
BEL Movie Day: take two
The second annual BEL Movie Day is just around the corner! In addition to screenings, you will be given the chance to watch a series of short films that were winners at the 2016 FINN festival in Namur. There will also be a photography exhibition, a variety of nature-themed works of art, events, and surprises...
The full programme is currently being finalized – check back soon to see it here!
Practical Information: BEL Movie Day – 2 June from 5:30 pm to 11 pm. At Brussels Environment’s BEL @ Tour & Taxis site, Av. du Port 86c/3002, 1000 Brussels. Free entry.
Come out to the Environment Festival
The Environment Festival will be held on 4 June at the Parc du Cinquantenaire, and will feature a host of activities each more interesting than the last. You can visit over 60 volunteer stands and enjoy a number of delicious and sustainable eating possibilities, along with a mix of cultural activities and interactive workshops (brass bands, face painting, educational games, etc.), as well as the Brussels Environment Agency Village, which will play host to themed educational activities.
A village that is all about nature... in the city!
The Brussels Environment Agency village will be the place to be. Featuring over a dozen themed stands, it will also include a number of fun and interactive activities. The talent and passion of Brussels Environment Agency staff and the other professionals involved will be on display in these one-day workshops, which will introduce festival-goers to the protection of biodiversity, to nature’s many faces in the city (the green and blue urban grid, the Sonian Forest), to sustainable development, to the circular economy, and to the advantages of urban vegetable gardens and sustainable food. A veritable eco-friendly hamlet!
Practical Information: Environment Festival – 4 June from 11 am to 7 pm. At the Parc du Cinquantenaire, 1000 Brussels – entry on the Mérode or Schuman side. Free entry.
Choose your path
At the Environment Festival, adults and children alike can experience four sensory circuits filled with fun activities – with a little prize in store for the winners.
"All the little tykes like me can enjoy a ton of fun and educational challenges," says Little Miss Chick, who will act as their guide. "They’ll have to build a human figure with nothing but the natural items around them, or build a shelter made of cardboard bricks."
As for clever Mr Fox, he will be sure to bring together fans of puzzles and contemplation. "You'll have to help me find my way through the parks and prove to me that you've learned about saving energy by answering a quiz on a tablet.
Athletes both young and old will also be in demand. Coached by Mr Squirrel, they will have to put their muscles to use and prove their dexterity. "I’ve prepared a real obstacle course for them, with balancing events and a bicycle-blender that they will have to mechanically power to make a seasonal smoothie!"
As for the poetic Mrs Butterfly, she will introduce participants to a world of amazing smells, tastes, and colours. "You will be able to help me recognise and cook wild edible plants, and you will discover the hidden lives of the small creatures who live in the forest." All the four of them are waiting for is you!
