This Belgium music festival has a proud history of producing some of the year’s greatest European summer festival lineups.
Such a reputation is only proved by Pukklepop’s ability to attract over 180,000 punters over three days to the large fields and woodlands found in the village of Kiewit.
With names like Sonic Youth, Nick Cave, Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Iggy Pop, Metallica, The White Stripes, Chemical Brothers and Radiohead all headlining over the years the festival has proven it can acquire the big names.
Founded in 1985 by a youth organization the festival was held at the local football grounds with Annie Clark topping a bill of just seven acts. After moving locations a year later and then cancelling in 1989 Pukkelpop eventually settled in its current home.
Over the years as the festival has grown stages have invariably been added. Along with the main stage, indoor and more outdoor stages have also been included.
Despite Pukkelpop’s growth and environmental work the festival has had its fair share of bad luck and unfortunate incidents over the years.
Most notably the storm that caused a stage collapse and killed five people in 2011. The lead singer of The Call died of a heart attack after performing sound engineer duties for Black Rebel Motorcycle Club in 2010 while Charles Haddon of Ou Est Le Swimming Pool committed suicide at the event in the same year.
However despite such tragedy Pukkelpop has endured and still continues to put together an incredible festival experience. How can 180,000 people be wrong?
Lineup
Of the biggest acts touring the festival circuit this year Pukklepop has managed to book just about all of them. Outkast? Check. Queens Of The Stone Age? Check. Robyn and Röyksopp? You betcha.
However we’re just getting started with this mammoth 2014 lineup. Joining the above headliners are the equally drool worth additions of Portishead and The National.
Dance music contributors will included, but are not limited to Calvin Harris, Disclosure, The Bloody Beetroots and Deadmau5. While the likes of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Jake Bugg, Ed Sheeran and Janelle Monáe are all expected to draw huge crowds.
Flying that Aussie flag of ours will Flume, Boy & Bear and The Cat Empire.
Check out the full lineup here.
When And Where
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Pukkelpop is located in Kiewit near Hasselt along the Kempische Steenweg Road and will run from the 14th to the 16th of August.
How To Get There
Ticket holders must first fly to Brussels with flights from any major city in Australia are valued at around $2700 although cheaper options are available for those willing to stop over more than once.
Flight transfers from Brussels to Hasselt can be arranged, however the festival website recommends getting there either by bus as your ticket allows you to travel free of charge. Click here to see all the details and download your free train ticket.
From Hasselt punters can reach the festival either by bike or by catching a train to the Kiewit train station, which is within walking distance to the festival site.
Where To Stay
Pukkelpop is a camping festival! That means no hostel or hotel organization can ruin your day.
There are three camping sites. Kiewit A, B & C. All campsites includ plenty of showers and toilets. Campsite A has disabled access, which includes a nursing tent for those who require it.
Camping is included in the full festival ticket.
How To Get Tickets
Tickets for Pukklepop will go on sale on the 19th of March at 2pm local time.
A day ticket will set you back €85, while a full festival combi ticket is valued at €175. Camping and public transport is included in both options, while an extra booking fee and mobility contribution are also added onto the above prices once you’ve made it to the check out.
Tickets are non-transferrable between friends. You can purchase your tickets from here and here.
Insider Tips & Tricks/Things You Shouldn’t Miss
At Pukkelpop food and drinks must be purchased through tickets. While there are places throughout the festival site to take cash out we suggest you purchase a voucher online before you head to the festival. Valued at $61 sit’s cheaper than the vouchers at the festival. You can purchase them at the same place where you purchase your tickets.
The festival is also promoting a fund for supporting the victims of the 2011 Pukkelpop storm, which sadly killed five and injured 140 people. The fund aims to support those who were heavily injured by the storm as well as the loved ones of those who lost their lives.
There are charging stations at all campsites and within the festival. So don’t forget to bring your charger!
There are a variety of food options at the festival. Whether you want vegetarian, organic or even fast food you’re set.
As an alternative transport option from the ones listed above Planet Festival is an executive bus service, which departs from Manchester, Birmingham, London or Dover and takes you straight to Pukkelpop with other festival attendees. It comes at the price of $166.
For more details head to Pukkelpop Official Website.
2013 Lineup
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With a new album in the works Eminen will headline the first night of the festival alongside Nine Inch Nails, Chase And Status and Duck Sauce.
English electronic three-piece The Prodigy sit atop the Friday bill as Neil Young & Crazy Horse, James Blake will stop by Belgium on the European festival circuit. Eels will also undoubtedly put on an incredible show in support of this year’s Wonderful Glorious release.
Brit brooders The XX and their compatriots Franz Ferdinand will close the festival on Saturday. Utensil inspired acts such as Sweden’s The Knife and Aussie house duo Knife Party will also play alongise Bat For Lashes, Regina Spektor, Foals and Alabama Shakes.
For the lineup click here.
