Concerts in Antwerp call for a more humane society

About 60 artists and speakers will take to the stage in Antwerp on Sunday, for the 505 Concerts for Humanity. A large group of citizens, with the support of different sectors, set up the event to call for a more humane society in the run-up to the elections. At 16.00, Sint-Jansplein had to be closed off because it had reached its capacity.

The 505-Concerten voor Menselijkheid (505 Concerts for Humanity) are a citizens initiative supported by artists, the culture and events sector, civil society, organisations and companies. The driving forces are Flemish musician Tijs Delbeke, psychologist and author Elisabeth Van Lierop and Els Hertogen, director of the 11.11.11 coalition of NGOs, unions, movements and solidarity groups in Flanders.

The initiators of the event say they do not want to express party-political views, but rather ask in the run-up to the 9 June elections to work for a better world, and more solidarity with people in society who are struggling.

In all, some 60 artists and speakers will take to the stage. The artists will play some of their best-known songs, songs written especially for the event or songs that fit its positive message. In between the concerts, speakers will take the floor, with calls for solidarity and humanity on topics such as the healthcare sector, education and the war in Gaza.

The event will continue until 22.00. The organisers hope to reach a total of about 20,000 visitors over the day. There is also a live stream for those who cannot attend.

_{#FlandersNewsService | The 505 Concerts for Humanity in Antwerp © BELGA PHOTO / VIDEO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}