Year-end fireworks in Antwerp fired from two pontoons: “You have the best view from the Left Bank” (Antwerp)
Traditionally, the new year is started with fireworks in Antwerp on 31 December at midnight. This year those fireworks will be fired from two pontoons on the Scheldt. “We do that purely as a result of crowd control”, says Lauranne Van Dongen, spokesperson for mayor Bart De Wever (N-VA).
Due to corona, the end-of-year fireworks could not continue for the past two years. “The last edition before corona, the fireworks were lit at the RAS restaurant. Then a great many people were drummed in one place. We notice that we have hit our limits,” says Van Dongen. “That is why it was decided this year to set off the fireworks from two locations. This way we can spread the population better.” Spectators must have a good view over a strip of five kilometers.
Antwerp skyline in the background
In concrete terms, there will be a pontoon at the height of the renovated Scheldt quays and the Court of Appeal. “You will be able to follow the whole thing very well from the renovated Scheldt quays.” The second pontoon will be built near the former cruise terminal. “But the site on the quays there is currently vacant because work is underway. That part is therefore not accessible to the public. You have a better view from the Scheldt bend and the Dry Dock Park.”
According to Van Dongen, an even better plan is to follow the fireworks from Linkeroever. “There you will have the best view with the skyline of Antwerp in the background. It is important to know that the replacement and the water bus will not sail. You will therefore have to make the crossing via the tunnel or by tram.”
As usual, the fireworks will be provided by award-winning fireworks maker Cliff Hooge and his team. They provide a 15-minute spectacle. DJ Bobby Ewing in turn follows an underlying soundtrack for the fireworks. Everyone can enjoy that music live on Radio Minerva (frequency 98.0). Everything will also be broadcast on television channel One from 11:59 pm.
Use and possession of fireworks is prohibited
Lighting fireworks yourself is, as always, prohibited in Antwerp. Just like lighting firecrackers, making fires and releasing wish balloons. Possessing fireworks and getting ready to use them is also prohibited between 1 October and 31 January.
“Since this year, anyone caught with fireworks in their pocket will not only receive a GAS fine, but will also have to pay a retribution fee. This is an amount that should cover the costs of safely collecting, storing and disposing of the fireworks,” explains Van Dongen. “That amount can add up considerably, depending on the amount of fireworks you have in your pocket.” To give an example: anyone caught setting off a firecracker next weekend will have to pay up to 750 euros for this.
As always, the police will provide extra supervision here on the usual days. “In places that we know from experience to be hotspots, we will be more alert. In addition, we naturally respond to the reports we receive à la minute get in”, says Van Dongen. “As a preventative measure, we have already made home visits by frequent offenders. Ultimately, we hope that as few fireworks as possible will be lit.”