Let’s introduce

For many music-lovers,  Labadoux has become a concept.  With the slogan ‘music with roots’ in mind,  Labadoux schedules a wide variety of contemporary folkmusic. Musical and textual quality are assured by a web of relations and active scouting in Belgium and abroad.

Besides the winter clubconcerts which take place in the distinctive pub ‘De Fagot’, Labadoux also organises the yearly Labadoux-festival. Labadoux  opens the busy  festival season during the first weekend of May. The festival in the centre of West Flanders along the Roeselare-Leie Canal is easy to reach and its unique location  has  enabled  Labadoux to get  hold  of  a  good position in the world of festivals.

Artistic policy

Bands  such  as ‘Le Velo Vert’, 'Het Zesde Metaal', 'Ashels', Follia' and  ‘Hannelore Bedert’  and other well-known  bands such as ‘Dolfijntjes’, 'Miek & Roel & Band' or ‘Guy Swinnen Band’ clearly show the presence this Year of Flemish artists.

Every year , Labadoux gives the public the opportunity to discover music acts on top level. The   Indian Band  ‘Musafir’,   for   example,   surprised   everyone  with   its  outstanding  act  and ‘Chirgilchin' from Tuva performed for the first time in Europe.

Labadoux  also insists on inviting legendary musicians,  an invitation 'Bob  Geldof', 'Zap Mama', 'Johnny Winter', 'Mory Kante', 'Luka Bloom', 'Manu Dibango', 'Bonga', 'Warren Zevon' and many more were very willing to accept.

If you pay attention, you will discover a festival theme in each edition.  One of the Labadoux-festivals was all about ‘Celtic folkmusic in Europe’. After  Altan, The Dubliners  took us to the tip of  Ireland, we were overwhelmed bij Carlos Nuñez and his Celtic music from Spanish Galicia.

Public Range

The  public seems  to appreciate the artistic cornerstones of the festival programme.  Surveys have shown that Labadoux exceeds the borders of Flanders and even Belgium.

Moreover,  the number of  visitors  grows by 10 to 15% a year.  Customer-oriented  publicity campaigns,  newsletters, a website  and  close  collaboration with the media play without any doubt a major part in attracting new festivalvisitors.

Organizational policy

Organizing a festival is much more than just making a programme.  During the whole year, a team of 12 people works hard to assure a new edition.

The management and the daily committee coordinate the festival preparations.Schemes give a survey of all jobs, while seven workgroups work out the details.

Festival domain facilities

Three heated tents are good for 3000m² covered festival domain. In the backstage tent you can find, besides the festival kitchen, a cosy pub where artists, staff and guests can meet.

The drinkstent with its own stage, offers a pleasant framework for a festive atmosphere. Drinks in the right glasses are not only environment-friendly, but they also enable  the visitors to enjoy as they should ...

The concerttent with seats comes close to the atmosphere of a concerthall.

Acces to wheelchairusers on the Labadouxfestival domain and camping.  A special  team is at their service during the whole weekend.