This event offered a memorable experience for all attendees. It entertained, inspired, and moved people, honoring the city’s history while connecting it to its future.
The ambition of the Liberation Days was to create a large-scale, impactful public event that unites and engages diverse audiences. Its primary goal was to inspire reflection on the fact that 80 years of living in freedom is a privilege not to be taken for granted. This reflection is intended to foster a greater appreciation for the era of peace we enjoy, and ideally, promote a sense of tolerance. The event encouraged an understanding of the past, encompassing historical aspects such as costumes, military equipment, culture, and the emotions and motives on both sides of the conflict.
In response to the City of Antwerp’s request, we developed a detailed concept for all elements of the event. This included attracting ships and military vehicles, as well as organizing a peace parade focused on the theme of “freedom.” Additionally, we crafted a detailed plan for musical performances and animations to enhance the immersive experience.
The Liberation Days started with a grand parade featuring over 100 vehicles and performers throughout the city and was broadcasted live on a local television channel. The Liberation Village and the military ships, that were docked at the Scheldt quays, offered an immersive experience, where volunteers brought history to life through reenactments. The site also featured retro food and drink stalls, interactive displays, and musical performances.
The event also showcased modern military vehicles. This highlighted a creative combination of past and present. Sustainability was also a key focus during the event, achieved through reusable catering materials, minimizing printed materials, and prioritizing rented and reused equipment.
Organizing the event posed logistical challenges. We reimagined the event space to accommodate the scale and weight of the military vehicles. The parade route was also adjusted to account for the weight and size of the vehicles, ensuring a seamless experience.
