Bigband Battle 2026

From Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21 , the fourth edition of Bigband Battle takes place, the unique festival where Bigband is completely central. The concerts take place at the festival site at G.C. Blikveld in Bonheiden . Bigband Battle puts the power of the large orchestra in the spotlight: an impressive line-up of saxes, trombones, and trumpets, carried by a solid rhythm section (drums, guitar, bass, and piano), often supplemented with vocal artists. The success of the television program LIVE LIVE LIVE , which gets high viewing figures, also proves that live music from large orchestras is alive and well again. Both artists and audiences - young and old - are finding their way to the big band again. This year, Bigband Battle again presents a particularly attractive and varied program , with international collaborations, nostalgia, and young talent. Friday, June 19 - International opening offensive On Friday evening, Bigband Battle goes resolutely international with Brussels Jazz Orchestra meets ARKestra . ARKestra is a unique international collaboration between the Brussels Jazz Orchestra (BJO) and the conservatories of Antwerp, Rotterdam (NL), and Cologne (D) . The best students from these three countries form one big band together and are immersed for an intensive week in a professional big band trajectory, guided by musicians from BJO. 8:00 PM - ARKestra ARKestra opens the festival with original compositions by students from the three countries and excels through an abundance of young talent. A concert not to be missed. Followed by - Brussels Jazz Orchestra Then the Brussels Jazz Orchestra brings an anthology from its impressive and versatile repertoire. Saturday, June 20 - Nostalgia and homage On Saturday, June 20, nostalgia is central with “Louis Neefs - 45 years later” , a tribute concert in image and sound . Gery’s Bigband , together with Connie Neefs, Hannelore, François Van den Broeck and Lucas Van den Eynde , pays tribute to Louis Neefs, an icon of Flemish music history. 8:00 PM - Evening concert Sunday, June 21 - The essence of Bigband Battle Sunday is entirely dedicated to the core of the festival: the big band world itself . For the fourth time, Bigband Battle, in collaboration with VLAMO , organizes evaluation concerts with five big bands - one from each Flemish province. These orchestras are professionally coached in advance and each brings an evaluation concert of 45 minutes . A jury then discusses their performance with the orchestra. This day is an absolute highlight within the Flemish big band scene and offers young talent and driven amateurs the chance to further develop their level. Starting at 1:30 PM: New Sound Bigband - Antwerp UB Bigband - Flemish Brabant & Brussels Big Band Waesiana - East Flanders Tasty Town Big Band - Limburg Jazzisfaction - Flemish Brabant Closing concert - Sunday, June 21 at 7:30 PM Bigband Battle 2024 concludes with a unique closing concert by The Uncle Mike's Bigband from Sankt-Vith (Wallonia) . This orchestra is considered one of the reference big bands of the south of the country and recently celebrated its 40th anniversary . They are now celebrating that anniversary again, especially for the Flemish audience. In addition to the musical highlights, we also like to spoil the inner person. In the cozy arena behind the Blikveld, you will find an atmospheric collection of food trucks and drink stands where you can enjoy delicious refreshments. Whether you are in the mood for a savory snack, a sweet treat, or a refreshing drink, there is something for everyone. This makes your festival experience complete! Bigband Battle 2024 promises three days full of international top music, nostalgia, and future talent. A must for lovers of live big band music. ]}' ;