Nile Rodgers to headline US independence celebration in Brussels
US ambassador to Belgium Bill White has announced that musician Nile Rodgers will headline a major event marking 250 years of American independence at the Parc du Cinquantenaire in Brussels. The celebration is scheduled for 28 June and will be by invitation only.
In an interview with Belgian media on Wednesday, White elaborated on the embassy's plans to celebrate the 250th anniversary of US independence. The event will feature a performance by Chic co-founder Nile Rodgers and will be restricted to invited guests "for security reasons".
The ambassador confirmed that prime minister Bart De Wever and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte are expected to attend. King Philippe of Belgium has been invited, though Bruzz reported in February that the Royal Palace has declined. A visit to an American war cemetery is also planned alongside Foreign Affairs minister Maxime Prévot.
3.6 million euros in funding
During an interview with the conservative news outlet Newsmax in February, White said he wanted the event to accommodate around 5,000 guests, of whom approximately 2,000 will be American military personnel and their families. The ambassador also wanted a NATO flyover and a fireworks show. The goal is to organise "the biggest 4th of July celebration ever outside the US", he said at the time.
While the scale and cost of the event have drawn criticism, White told Belgian press on Wednesday he has already secured 3.6 million euros in private funding, from both American and Belgian companies.
PHOTO © Oli SCARFF / AFP
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