White nights

According to the Flemish news wire, Belga, The fourth Brussels 'Nuit Blanche' last night attracted around 150,000 visitors to the 150 or so cultural events taking place around the city. In Paris, which claims to have originated the concept (although both cities first put the event on at exactly the same time), more than 1 million people are reported to have taken part. Having missed the three previous Brussels 'White Nights', it was nice to finally experience the event. My trail began at Place de la Chappelle, where I joined Victor S and associates to check out La Nuit Maroxelloise - free concerts by local Rai and reggae bands including the excellent Septa and Univibes.
Heading into the city centre, we stopped off at the info point at Place St. Gery (I don't think I have ever seen the square looking so busy - it was mobbed), before wandering down Rue Antoine Dansaert where a samba school had gathered quite a crowd. Personally, I can usually take or leave batucada, but it was a fun vibe. In nearby Place Saint Catherine, speakers boomed out hardcore techno to a youthful crowd. We decided to check out the Anspach Center instead, a cavernous 70s-style disco complete with glitterballs, where we were 'born, born, born, born to be alive'.
For those of a more inttelectual bent, there was a series of talks at the European Parliament, while other highlights of the program included breakdancing demonstrations, short film and photographic exhibitions and a drag night at the Beursschouwburg. From memory, last year's events seemed more interesting, but it's a cool idea and long may it continue.