Nocturnal creatures in Citadelpark

Citadelpark, Ghent

There is still a picturesque bandstand – built in 1885 and designed by Ghent’s municipal architect Charles Van Rysselberghe – but otherwise there is little music left in Citadelpark. And there is certainly no ‘pounding techno music’ resounding among the maples and other trees.

Nevertheless, this is an importance place in the history of Ghent’s nightlife. In 1992, it was the site of World Party II, a rave party in the Floralies Palace with performances by local heroes such as Olivier Pieters, Frank De Wulf and Stefaan (aka T-Quest aka Dr. Lektroluv) as well as international stars such as Jam & Spoon, Sven Väth and Carl Cox.

Not much later the ’t Kuipke velodrome was the venue of deafening Cherry Moon parties such as Belgium! (including a larger array of lasers than the original Star Wars trilogy), and the renowned techno party Kozzmozz. The latter had outgrown its original location – it is in fact a small miracle that the Theatre Boat never capsized – and around the turn of the century it organised several memorable rave parties featuring Jeff Mills and Monika Kruse in ’t Kuipke and at the International Convention Center.

Eventually, the Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art (S.M.A.K.) hosted not a techno party, but a performance by Mo & Benoelie (aka The Glimmers), The Fucking Dewaele Brothers (aka 2manydjs) and TLP – the resident DJs of Belmondo. This arty-farty party caused as much of a stir as Jennifer Aniston’s and Brad Pitt’s marriage.Both lasted more or less equally long.

Did you know... That an epic two-day party was held at the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) before it temporarily closed its doors for renovation, featuring sets by 2manydjs and others.