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Brussels will celebrate Iris Festival and 150th tram anniversary on 1 May

by editor

From 1 to 5 May, a host of activities are planned to mark the 30th edition of the Iris Festival, which is taking place at the same times as the Brussels’ tram systems 150th anniversary celebration.

During the festivities, three grand events will shine a light on the Brussels tram. On 1 May, there will be a parade of historic trams, a new tram will be unveiled by King Filip in the tram expo on the King’s square, and the European championship for the best tram driver – organised by transport service STIB – will take place.

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“Next to chocolate, the Atomium, Art Nouveau and Magritte, the tram is a symbol for the Brussels Region,” said minister of Mobility Pascal Smet (SP.A). “As inhabitants of Brussels, we can be proud of our tram system, and we should keep investing in a clean and sustainable mode of transport,” he added.

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Manneken Pis, Brussels’ other symbol, will wear the new STIB uniform, revealed earlier in the year. Manneken Pis’ uniform will be changed on 2 May.

The rest of the activities over the five days of the Iris Festival include concerts and an electro-party on the Place de Palais, documentaries about Brussels and an exhibition on Audrey Hepburn. The Day of Europe, on which the institutions traditionally open their doors, is also featured in the Iris Festival.

Maïthé Chini

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