eight Belgian Festivals Face Scrutiny Over “Opaque or Abusive” Practices
Brussels, Belgium – Consumer rights institution Testachats has filed complaints against eight belgian music festivals alleging deceptive and potentially exploitative practices concerning hidden fees and unclear terms. The festivals – Les Ardentes, Tomorrowland, Ronquières, Paradise city, Pukkelpop, Graspop, Rock Werchter, and Brosella – are accused of lacking openness regarding costs beyond the initial ticket price, specifically activation fees and recovery costs.The complaints, stemming from experiences reported during ten festivals last year, arrive as Consumer Protection Minister Rob Beenders (Vooruit) introduces a new code of good conduct for the festival industry. While testachats acknowledges the code as “a step in the right direction,” the organization argues it falls short of providing adequate consumer protection.The code’s voluntary nature, its silence on activation costs, and its authorization of recovery costs are key concerns. “This code is not going far enough for us,” stated Testachats spokesperson Julie Brother.”It always authorizes recovery costs and only works on a voluntary basis.”
Testachats has lodged two complaints against both Les Ardentes and Tomorrowland, and one complaint each against Ronquières, Paradise City, Pukkelpop, Graspop, Rock Werchter, and Brosella. The organization highlighted Francofolies as a positive example of a festival demonstrating obvious practices. The complaints seek to compel the festivals to clearly disclose all costs associated with attending events, ensuring consumers are fully informed before purchase. The outcome of these complaints coudl set a precedent for industry-wide standards and greater consumer protection at Belgian music festivals.
