Oostduinkerke (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Due to strong wind gusts, today’s Ketnet Zomert event in Oostduinkerke has been cancelled to ensure public safety, organizers announced.
They are looking for a new date.
The Belgium municipality of Koksijde claims that the stage on Zeedijk could not be safely put up due to severe winds. Performances by the Ketnetband, #LikeMe, and others were planned, but they are now canceled.
“Safety always comes first. We are doing our utmost to set a new date,” Ketnet reports.
Strong northwesterly gusts of up to 50 km/h were forecast for today at sea by the Royal Meteorological Institute (KMI). It was predicted that the wind would lessen in the evening.
What safety measures are in place for managing strong wind conditions in future Ketnet Zomert outdoor celebrations?
Event planners select tents with certified wind ratings that indicate how strong gusts they can safely withstand. High-quality tents designed for winds of 40 mph or more, with strong frames and durable materials, minimize risks of collapse or damage during gusts ().
Proper anchoring is critical and depends on the event surface—for grass, this means driving long stakes or steel pins deep; on pavement, heavy weighted ballasts like water barrels; and in sandy areas, specialized ground anchors or sandbags.
Luxury events may use custom-engineered bases and integrated weighted flooring to discreetly stabilize tents without compromising aesthetics.
