But it is above all the prospect of a narrowing of the fair that worries the fairgrounds. The entry into office of the new courthouse and the Thémis real estate project threaten the tradition of this event, present in the barracks for 65 years. Nine fairgrounds, installed on rue des Bourgeois, have already received a reputation for 2026. And professionals fear a domino effect. They believe that 19 other trades could be threatened for the 2027 edition
“To move is not a solution”
“We want to stay in the same place, why not with larger mechanical professions. When we talk about the Namur fair, people know directly where it is“, insists Anthony Mastrovalerio. He evokes the historical link between the fairgrounds and their locations.”These are often transmitted locations from generation to generation. To move the fair is to lose our bearings, and especially those of the public.“
Faced with the removal of nine locations, he wonders: “Is there no way to negotiate with the courthouse? During the month of July, there are the judicial holidays, the hearings are rare. Maybe the access they are talking about would not be necessary all the time.“
He also suggests an alternative, already experienced during the pandemic: “In 2021, the fair had been extended to Boulevard Cauchy. Why not do it again? This would preserve centrality and also accommodate the largest professions.“
The city remains cautious
For her part, Charlotte Déom, alderman of the holidays and urban animations, confirms the sending of renowned letters to the nine fairgrounds but specifies: “It is an administrative measure taken as a precaution. If the courthouse gives us its green light, it is possible that these professions can return next year.“
As for the fears expressed for 2027, it judges them premature. “”We have not yet started any formal discussion with the promoters of the Thémis project. The plans are not finalized. It is not yet known what will be the holds of the site.“
Two scenarios are being studied, she recognizes: a trip to a more eccentric site and a maintenance in the city center, which could go through an extension or partial redevelopment. “”These are hypotheses that we must assess with technical services, taking into account mobility, noise, security … Nothing is acted at the moment.“
A necessary consultation
The alderman insists: “The fair remains an important event for Namur. Our intention is to maintain it, and even make it evolve. But we have to work methodically.“She promises to consult the fairgrounds once the tracks are clarified.”They are the ones who live this event on a daily basis. Their return will be essential.“
For his part, Anthony Mastrovalerio calls for more direct consultation: “We need to know where we are going. This constant vagueness prevents us from anticipating. You can’t wait for everything to be played to be faced with the fait accompli. “
For the fairgrounds, the threat goes beyond the figures. “”It is not only a question of location, it is a question of visibility, transmission, survival even for some.“
The file will evolve in the coming months. A follow -up meeting is announced. But for the interested parties, the urgency is already there. “”It is now that you have to decide. Not in 2026, not in 2027. If we want to continue to offer a beautiful fair for Namur and the Namurois, you have to be able to project yourself.“
Namur: One day at the Fair, in the footsteps of Marcel Proust
