Bruges (Brussels Morning Newspaper): The annual flea market in Bruges, organized by Johan Vancoillie, has been canceled due to safety concerns from new green spaces. Originally hosting 400 stalls, it attracted thousands of visitors. The city council believes there is still enough space for the market, but residents disagree, feeling it was an important community event.
According to Johan Vancoillie, the organizer of the flea market that takes place every year on the first Sunday of May, it started with 64 stalls and has grown to about 400, attracting thousands of visitors regardless of the weather. However, this year, the area next to the Koude Keuken was redeveloped, adding green spaces that now take up too much room, making it unsafe to hold the flea market.
Will the Bruges flea market return?
It has been said that because a new green area has been added on one side of the street, the flea market will now take place on the street, which is unsafe. The street is wider than 5 meters, but the stalls take up too much space, leaving no safe path for people. The organizer said they could not put the stalls in the green area because the rain would make it muddy and could harm the flowers. Therefore, the market has to be canceled. The neighborhood is sad because it was the only chance for gathering.
According to the Bruges city council, there is enough space to hold the flea market. They believe the new streets can fit the market on paved areas and grass. Other streets in Bruges, like near the petting zoo in Assebroek and in Male, also have flea markets every year.
