In the summer of 2026, the Belfry of Bruges once again becomes a living storyteller for eleven evenings, from the 1st to 11th of July. With monumental projections, immersive music, and audiences filling the Market Square night after night, we bring the city’s history to life together with Alfavision and PRG.
At the heart of this new story lies Bruges’ turbulent relationship with the sea: from the silting up of the Zwin, the lace industry and poverty, the slow industrial breakthrough, the reopening of the port, the two World Wars, social struggles and the language conflict, to the cultural revival of the city once described as “la Morte”.
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For centuries I have stood here, while Bruges rose from the waves of time. The days of abundance, when the sea still embraced Bruges, lie behind me. I remember the ships from Venice, Genoa, Barcelona, Lübeck and London bringing silk, pepper, grain, timber and silver. The Waterhalle and Kraanplein were filled with the scent of wine, wool and tarred ropes. Merchants called out, carts rattled, foreign tongues filled the air…
Bruges lived to the rhythm of the tides — and still today, the city and the sea remain inseparably connected.
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Bruges has a magical appeal — for its residents as well as for millions of Flemish and international visitors. For the second time, we bring the city’s history to life in a vivid and immersive way, together with Alfavision and PRG, across 11 evenings and 22 performances:
Each evening begins with a carillon concert at 22:00.
On Thursday 9th, Friday 10th and Saturday 11th July, Burgrock will also host live music performances on the Burg in Bruges. These performances will end before the start of The Belfry as a Storyteller.
Discover the Burgrock programme
Location: Market Square, 8000 Bruges
Dates: Wednesday 1st to Saturday 11th July 2026
Schedule:
Duration: Each performance lasts 25 minutes
Languages:
Each performance can be followed in English, French and German by scanning the QR code on the Belfry with your smartphone. This also ensures the event is accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Admission: FREE OF CHARGE
Getting there:
Visitors are strongly encouraged to come by bicycle, on foot or by public transport.
Parking:
Parking is available at ’t Zand car park, a 10-minute walk from the Market Square.
Accessibility:
The event is wheelchair accessible. Visitors with reduced mobility can make use of our shuttle service on Monday 6th July. Would you like us to arrange this for you?
Please contact Aagje Merlevede
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The Belfry as Storyteller would not have been possible without the support of several partners. This year, we once again offer various opportunities for collaboration.
Download the sponsorship file here
Last year’s results speak for themselves:
Interested in our initiative? Would you like to collaborate or experience The Belfry as a Storyteller in a unique way?
Please contact Geert Demeyere
In 2025, The Belfry as a Storyteller attracted no fewer than 100,000 visitors.
Here’s a glimpse of last year’s edition.
