Zoé Van den Boogaerde



Doel FestivalFast and Furious
Specters of the Future Doel Festival takes place in the iconic village of Doel, a small but storied community perched along the Scheldt River near Antwerp in northern Belgium. Known for its haunting beauty and rich history, Doel stands as both a symbol of resistance and a testament to the power of preservation. In the 1960s, industrial expansion plans—alongside the construction of a nearby nuclear power plant and the intended extension of Antwerp’s port—threatened the village’s survival, prompting an exodus of residents and leaving Doel in an eerie, near-abandoned state. But after decades of persistent efforts by local action groups and community supporters, plans for demolition were finally abandoned, allowing Doel to stand and reinvent itself as a place where heritage and future possibilities meet.

Doel Festival was born to celebrate this unique character, inviting visitors to look beyond Doel’s turbulent past and experience its potential as a cultural landmark. Each year, the festival fills the village’s streets, alleys, and open spaces with electronic music, interactive art, and installations that underscore Doel’s textured, lived-in beauty. This convergence of art, music, and exploration creates an immersive journey through the village, allowing festivalgoers to experience Doel’s vibrant present and glimpse its future potential.

Set in an extraordinary landscape that’s far from a typical festival backdrop, Doel offers a rare opportunity to connect with a place where heritage, history, and creativity intersect. With each ticket sold and each performance staged, Doel Festival contributes directly to the village’s revitalization, supporting local initiatives and cementing Doel’s place on the cultural map. Beyond the music, Doel Festival is an invitation to explore, celebrate, and help shape the future of this one-of-a-kind village.