Hasselt (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Pukkelpop 2025 opened in Hasselt with 50,000 visitors in 35°C heat, featuring performances by Roxy Dekker, Bazart and EXIT and showcasing the upgraded Booth stage until 4 a.m.
As Hbvl News reported, Pukkelpop 2025 began on Thursday evening, Aug 14, 2025, in Kiewit, Hasselt. Around 50,000 people entered the festival site as the gates opened at 6 p.m. Stijn Cackelbergh and his daughter, Paulien, from Tienen, were the first through the entrance.
Poleen took control of the Boiler stage, while Maraschino played the opening set in the renovated Booth. The Booth now holds 5,000 people, up from 3,500, and has the DJ positioned in the middle of the audience.
- “It was a matter of choosing the right gate to get in,”
Laughs Stijn.
What Happened on Pukkelpop 2025’s 35°C Opening Night in Kiewit?
In Kiewit, Hasselt, and nearby areas, temperatures reached 35°C. Festivalgoers stayed alert to the conditions. Many wore hats and sunglasses or carried small fans. Others removed their shirts. Officials mentioned that despite the heat, the crowd stayed energetic.
“Much cooler than last year, you’ll see us partying here a lot this weekend,”
Said Jef (18) and Josse (18) from Wommelgem.
Pukkelpop began its first day with traditional acts. Nicky du Soleil, known as the Flemish crown prince of schlager, opened the Wave stage with his quirky lyrics and a set filled with surprises. He welcomed Luc Steen and Isabelle A as special guests, and together they had the audience singing along to “Ik mis je elke dag a bit more” and “Hé lekker beest.”
The opening day delivered a series of standout performances from J. Bernardt, Eefje de Visser, and Kaat van Stralen. The biggest rush of the evening came after 10 p.m., when Roxy Dekker stepped onto the Wave stage. Large crowds ran to the tent, with one person asking if the whole festival had come to watch. Fans shouted her songs.
The night also featured the reveal of the mystery act EXIT. The group arrived with well-known guests, including Eefje de Visser, Joost Zwegers, and Dana Winner. Terryn introduced Winner as the “Limburg Legend,” which drew a long and loud applause.
Frenna brought summer rhythms and had the crowd dancing to his viral track “ZAAZAA.” The Boiler Room continued the party with “Zwart Het Kan” and Average Rob. The celebrations then continued in the Booth, the Club, and the Boiler until 4 a.m.
“Yes, it’s us. I hope you’re happy,”
Said Mathieu Terryn of Bazart.
Pukkelpop is one of Belgium’s biggest summer music festivals and takes place each year in Kiewit, near Hasselt. It began in 1985 as a small event for alternative music fans and has grown into a major international festival.
The 4-day event now attracts more than 200,000 visitors and offers a mix of rock, pop, dance, hip-hop, and new music styles. Pukkelpop’s popular areas include the Wave, Boiler, and Club stages. The festival has faced challenges, including severe weather and the deadly storm in 2011.
