Hasselt – Pukkelpop 2025 kicked off in Hasselt, welcoming 50,000 attendees amid sweltering 35°C heat, featuring performances by Roxy Dekker, Bazart, and EXIT, and showcasing the revamped Booth stage until 4 a.m., reports 24brussels.
The festival began on Thursday evening, August 14, 2025, in Kiewit, Hasselt, with gates opening at 6 p.m. Stijn Cackelbergh and his daughter, Paulien, from Tienen, were among the first to enter the festival grounds.
Poleen took charge of the Boiler stage while Maraschino opened the set on the newly renovated Booth stage, which now accommodates 5,000 attendees, up from 3,500, featuring the DJ positioned centrally within the crowd.
Festival-goers were well-prepared for the extreme heat, donning hats, sunglasses, and carrying portable fans; some opted to remove their shirts. Despite the soaring temperatures, the energy among the crowd remained high.
“Much cooler than last year, you’ll see us partying here a lot this weekend,”
said 18-year-olds Jef and Josse from Wommelgem.
The first day of Pukkelpop featured traditional acts, with Nicky du Soleil, known as the Flemish crown prince of schlager, kicking off the Wave stage with eccentric lyrics and unexpected performances. He was joined by special guests Luc Steen and Isabelle A, who rallied the audience around their hit songs.
Noteworthy performances included J. Bernardt, Eefje de Visser, and Kaat van Stralen. The biggest crowd surge occurred after 10 p.m. when Roxy Dekker took the stage, prompting a rush to the tent as fans eagerly sang along to her songs.
The night also introduced the much-anticipated mystery act EXIT, who appeared alongside well-known guests like Eefje de Visser, Joost Zwegers, and Dana Winner. Terryn hailed Winner as the “Limburg Legend,” sparking lengthy applause from the audience.
Frenna further energized the crowd with his summer anthems, including the viral track “ZAAZAA.” The celebrations extended through the Boiler Room with “Zwart Het Kan” and Average Rob. After-hours festivities continued in the Booth, the Club, and the Boiler until 4 a.m.
“Yes, it’s us. I hope you’re happy,”
remarked Mathieu Terryn of Bazart.
Pukkelpop, one of Belgium’s largest summer music festivals, takes place annually in Kiewit, near Hasselt. Established in 1985 as a modest gathering for alternative music enthusiasts, it has since evolved into a significant international festival.
The four-day event attracts over 200,000 visitors, showcasing a diverse range of genres, including rock, pop, dance, hip-hop, and emerging musical styles. Popular stages at Pukkelpop include Wave, Boiler, and Club. The festival has encountered various challenges over the years, including severe weather events and a deadly storm in 2011.
