🇧🇪 Dour Festival 2025 – Ultimate UK Traveller Guide
Dates: 16–20 July 2025
Location: Plaine de la Machine à Feu, Dour, Belgium
The Dour Festival is Belgium’s ultimate multi‑genre summer music celebration—perfect for UK travellers seeking a vibrant festival escape. With 230+ artists, 7–9 stages, and camping on site, expect five days of electronic beats, indie rock, grime, hip‑hop and more
What Makes Dour Festival Unique?
From its start in 1988, Dour has grown into a legendary festival attended by over 230,000 people . It offers:
- Diverse line‑up: Ranges from Stormzy and Charlotte de Witte to FKA twigs and Action Bronson
- Seven specialised stages: Including techno, rock, dub, experimental and more
- Camping zones: On‑site DIY camping with tents, shower access, and food/drink stalls.
Why UK travellers love it:
Short flights, rich atmosphere, and a festival that blends Belgium’s famous beer culture with modern music fun.
Entry Requirements for UK Visitors
Good news—UK passport holders do NOT need a visa for stays up to 90 days in Belgium/Schengen
- Just make sure: You have a passport issued within the last 10 years
- It’s valid at least 3 months after you return
- On entry, carry proof of onward travel and enough funds Note: From October 2025, EU's EES biometric checks will apply. Be sure to arrive a few hours early at borders
Travel & Getting There
1. Flights from the UK
Brussels (Zaventem/Charleroi) and Lille (France) are closest airports
Budget carriers offer round trips from ~£60–£120
2. Train & Shuttle
From Brussels or Lille → take train to Saint-Ghislain, then free shuttle bus to the festival
3. Festival Buses
Many UK travel providers (e.g., Maximal Trips) run direct festival buses from London/Leeds/Manchester for ~€17.50 one-way
4. Driving
Self-drive option with on‑site parking ~€25–€30. Consider eco filters and shared rides for cost savings.
Must-See Acts
- Stormzy (UK grime icon) – headline experience
- Charlotte de Witte (Belgian techno queen) – sets till early hours
- FKA twigs – UK-born experimental RnB songwriter
- Brutalismus 3000, Folamour, Action Bronson, plus many more across genres
Travelling Tips
- Use GBP to euro conversion apps
- Book flights and trains ~10–12 weeks in advance
- Consider festival buses for group travel, less hassle
- Check travel insurance, especially for music festivals with camping
- Stay connected: buy local SIM or use eSIM (~5 GB data)
- Claim VAT on big purchases via tax-free forms at shops
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