X BELGIUM INTERNATIONAL ART & FOLKLORE FESTIVAL 2027

Who Can Participate

Children, youth and adults are welcome, both amateur and professional. Participation formats include soloists, duets, trios, quartets, small groups and larger ensembles. Delegations may include performers and accompanying persons, with no specified maximum number of either.

Artistic Categories

• Folk and stylized folk dance, classical dance, modern and contemporary dance, jazz dance, street dance, ballroom and sports dance, stage dance, children’s dance, dance theatre, acrobatic choreography, world dances and original choreography.
• Folklore groups, ritual theatres, vocal groups, instrumental groups, vocal-instrumental ensembles, choirs, theatre performers, acting groups, fashion theatres and other artistic categories.

Age Categories

• MINI Kids: 4–6 years.
• Kids: 7–9 years.
• Children: 10–13 years.
• Juniors: 14–17 years.
• Adults: 18+.
• Seniors: 50+.
• Mixed Groups.

Competition & Official Activities

Participants may compete in more than one genre by submitting an additional application and paying the applicable additional competition fee.

An international professional jury evaluates all performances using a 10-point scoring system. Performances are assessed separately by artistic category, age category and participation format. Jury decisions are final.

Groups may be invited to the Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony, parade, accompanying concerts, receptions and workshops. Participation in official activities included in the program is mandatory for invited groups.

Awards & Recognition

Participants and groups can receive Grand Prix distinctions, placement awards, participant diplomas and special awards for artistry, costumes and creative achievement. Participants also receive festival souvenirs and recognition materials.

Regulations & Recording Permissions

Submitting an application confirms acceptance of the festival regulations. Photographs, audio recordings and video recordings may be made during the festival for documentation, communication and promotional purposes. Groups must obtain the necessary image-use permissions, including parental or legal guardian permission for minors.

• Soloists and duets: 1–2 performances, maximum 4 minutes total.
• Trios and quartets: 1–2 performances, maximum 5 minutes total.
• Small groups of 5–9 participants: 1–2 performances, maximum 6 minutes total.
• Groups and ensembles of 10+ participants: 1–2 performances, maximum 9 minutes total.
• Performances exceeding the approved time may be stopped.
• Groups must provide high-quality musical accompaniment for their performances.

European Quarter

Participants can explore the European Quarter, including the House of European History, Wiertz Museum and European Parliament Visitors’ Centre.

A visit to the European Parliament may also be organized. Advance registration/accreditation is required, and the visit is subject to confirmation and availability. Interested groups must indicate their interest during the festival application process.

Optional Antwerp Excursion

The excursion includes Brussels–Antwerp–Brussels transportation, a guided walking tour and the opportunity to discover Antwerp’s cultural and historical attractions.