BAREFOOT festival 2016 in Antwerp, Belgium

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The after movie is just released from Barefoot festival, which took place on September 17 in the Nachtegalenpark in Antwerp. Barefoot was founded three years ago, in 2014, by Charlotte De Cock, a creative mind who strives for complete self-expression in her art as a painter, but also as a DJ. Barefoot is organized as a celebration of music, art, radical self-expression and nature, all under the banner of love. Charlotte De Cock, inspired by Burning Man, wants to gather the new generation of expressive artists and creatives combined with music.

Barefoot is meant to be a magical gathering for everyone of all ages who enjoy the moment, the love and the feeling of radical self-expression. „It’s about letting go. It’s about accepting everyone with their differences. No hate, just a celebration of life, love, art and nature.“ Nature is very important to the Barefoot organizers: they gather in a green and beautiful location, they ban plastic, and every artwork, creation and installation – including the stage – is fashioned from natural, hand-made, or recycled materials. Barefoot handles a leave-no-trace policy – as should any festival, we think.

Despite this great philosophy, a beautiful marketing campaign, and the nice weather, few people showed up – which is a shame for all the effort put into the production. In the afternoon, it felt more like a pick nick in the park, rather than a festival. Seeing Martha Van Straaten playing an amazing set for a dozen people hurts a little. Maybe the planning of the line-up missed its goal. Or maybe the audience is not ready for the deeper, more ambient music that was programmed.

Nevertheless, we were impressed by the bamboo artworks of Georges Cuvillier and the beautiful stage design by Domo Arrigato. Also more successful was the Barefoot after party at Club Vaag, which is one of the best underground venues in Antwerp; probably with the best sound system of Antwerp. Scroll down for some pictures:

Afterparty in Club Vaag:

Charlotte DC – after party in Club Vaag