Brussels Midi Fair to kick off for 144th time

The annual Brussels Midi Fair, the city’s most popular fairground, kicks off on 13 July. The fair will have more than 100 attractions and food stalls for its 144th edition. 

The fair was presented on Wednesday in the presence of Union Saint-Gilloise goalkeeper Anthony Morris and Make A Wish Foundation, the ambassadors of this year’s edition. The festivities will be spread along Boulevard du Midi, from Porte de Hal to Porte d’Anderlecht.

The city of Brussels, represented by Brussels councillor for economic affairs Benhur Ergen of DéFI, said at the presentation that it was seeking "a balance between a historic and family event and neighbourhood life". Noise standards of up to 95 decibels during the day and 75 decibels after 22.00 will apply.

There will also be meetings between local residents, fairground operators and the city's Commerce department during the fair to identify potential nuisances. On top of that, there will be more police patrols to supplement a permanent police post, especially after 17.00 until closing time.

As every year, there will be an afternoon open only to children who are ill or have a disability on 8 August. The fair workers, in cooperation with the city of Brussels, will invite various organisations working for children who are ill, have a disability or come from a disadvantaged background.

^{Brussels Midi Fair © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}