Are you looking for ideas to keep the kids (and yourself) entertained over the upcoming holiday season?
The festive period beckons and all of us are likely to benefit from a much-needed break, particularly with the pandemic depressingly still very much with us.
In fact, that necessity is probably greater than ever before, with Belgium now under yet more stiff restrictions designed to stem the latest wave of the coronavirus. These dictate all manner of things and threaten to take the pleasure out of what should be a joyous time of the year.
The good news is that there are some events still going ahead in the country over the holiday period.
One such event – and ideal for the whole family – take place in Waterloo just before Christmas and is sure to gladden the hearts of those who attend.
It’s a concert called “Christmas Around the World”, by two groups: I Virtuosi Di Waterloo and Les Choeurs d’Enfants de l’Avesnois and a 50-strong ensemble of young singers, all under the direction of Thibaut Waxin.
Thibaut is ably supported by Marc Grauwels on flute, vocalist Joelle Strauss and, last but not least, Fabian Fiorini, on piano.
It is a diverse mix of music, ranging from Bach to Bing Crosby.
Pieces feature classical and world music plus some jazz and also include the Christmas song by Nat King Cole, Winter Wonderland by Etta James and, of course, Bing’s White Christmas.
The concert takes place on 19 December at 5pm at Eglise Saint Francois, rue de l’Eglise 23 in Waterloo, which is a short 30-minute drive from Brussels (similar by train).
The youngsters will be performing a range of songs which are likely to include some seasonal favourites.
It is important to stress that the event, whose supporters include the Brabant Wallon Region, will take place subject to all the necessary health and safety measures currently in place in Belgium.
One of the organisers, Francois Dewulf, told this website, “We hope this event, coming as it does just before Christmas, will bring some much-needed cheer to people, young and old alike. The young participants are very talented and everyone attending can be sure of a very pleasant evening.”
Tickets are available from the tourist office in the centre of Waterloo (02 352 0910) and can be purchased online as well by contacting Francois directly at: francoisdewulf1@gmail.com or by calling him on 0475 932326.
Payment can be made to the orchestra’s bank account: BE11 3100 6053 3948.
Tickets are priced €22 if bought in advance or €25 if purchased on the day. For those aged 65 and over or under 20, the price is €20 per person.
