Dozens of sailing ships are leaving Antwerp for Aalborg in Denmark for the second race of The Tall Ships Races, which called at Antwerp for the seventh time. Some 40 ships were moored for four days in the docks around the MAS, at Kattendijkdok and at the Scheldt Quays near Het Steen. At the same time, the Bollekesfeest Festival took place on the Grote Markt and Groenplaats. Some 850,000 visitors came to soak up the atmosphere in Antwerp, admire the cathedrals of the sea and enjoy performances, good food and drink during this long weekend of festivities.
It was not only the beautiful ships that attracted crowds. The side activities were popular as well. For example, the traditional Crew Parade took place on Saturday from the Zuiderterras, via the Quays, past the MAS to the Port House. The live concerts at Zaha Hadidplein and Steenplein were also popular. There was a unique fireworks display at three different locations on Saturday, which attracted a lot of spectators. At the MAS, visitors were also able to see innovative and sustainable initiatives of some partners and at Napoleonkaai there was the busy Maritime Market. And a lot of people came to see the numerous performances that took place at the Bollekesfeest Festival.
