“We dared, we changed, and we succeeded. 39 shops, shops and Horeca establishments remained open until 9:00 p.m. minimum. The terraces were full at noon as in the evening, and some shops welcomed customers all day despite the heat.”
A musical entertainment was provided in the evening at the Le Zyto brasserie, with a festive atmosphere that has extended until 1:00 a.m.
For the organizers, this first edition of the new format is above all a start -up. The stated objective is to strengthen the visibility of local businesses and to offer a framework conducive to start -up purchases in a larger atmosphere during the day.
Disappointed inhabitants
But on social networks, the feeling is quite different. The majority of comments posted this July 1 are bitter, some even virulent.
“The night of sales what to say … A big flop! A real fiasco. Not a cat in the streets. Where did music, atmosphere, camelots have gone? Going expressly from France for this evening … and nothing. “
And the weather will not have helped: scorching heat has undoubtedly discouraged certain onlookers to stroll through the streets. But for many, disappointment is mainly due to the lack of animation, atmosphere and surprises, elements that made the salt from previous editions.
Go to 2026, with adjustments?
Aware of criticism, Virginie André assures that this edition is only the beginning: “Who says change,” says improvement. Ideas are already fueling for 2026. One thing is certain: we will continue to highlight local merchants. “
The ASBL already gives an appointment for the next edition on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, with the ambition to do better, even to reconcile tradition and novelty.
