To mark the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Mons by American troops on 2 September, 1944, the City of Mons and the Mons Memorial Museum are joining forces with the Royal Mons Auto Moto Club to bring you a weekend packed with commemorative events.
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere and euphoria of 1944 with a fun-packed programme that’s sure to delight the whole family, including children's workshops, a mass treasure hunt, concerts, a Liberation Ball, re-enactments, a parade of vintage vehicles, and much more!
Program:
Friday, 30 August
Liberation Walk departing from Bois-Brulé - Route de Wallonie to Ghlin
Free - In partnership with the Belgian Armed Forces
· Departure: between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. for the 27-kilometre walk.
· Departure: between 7:30 and 10:00 a.m. for the 17-kilometre walk.
Saturday, 31 August
At the Mons Memorial Museum – Boulevard Dolez, 51 in Mons
· 5:00 p.m. - “Create your own flag” workshop with the Dynamusée team. Children will be able to design and sew their own flag to commemorate the Liberation.
· 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. - Create your own radio workshop (age 10 upwards). Children will learn how to make a small radio and can even take their (working) radio home with them! (subject to availability).
· 6:00 to 6.30. p.m. - Introduction and dance demonstration by the Jazz Maniacs
· All day long - Treasure hunt to decode the allies’ secret message
Liberation Ball on the Boulevard Dolez Esplanade, next to the Mons Memorial Museum
· 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. - Concert with Shape Band and entertainment provided by the Jazz Maniacs dance collective
· 9:00 to 9.30. p.m. - Introduction and dance demonstration by the Jazz Maniacs dance collective
· 9:30 to 11.00. p.m. - Concert with the Satin Dolls Sisters and entertainment provided by the Jazz Maniacs dance collective
Inside and outside bar and catering options
Tanks in Town
· 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m: Bois-Brûlé site (Ghlin): Experience riding in a tank or Jeep, and visit the various displays, vehicle exhibitions, international military fair, etc.
· From noon to 3:00 p.m.: Grand-Large site: Operation Amphibious! Watch vehicle launches and demonstrations.
Sunday, 1 September
Historic parade and commemorations in Mons and the surrounding areas.
· 10:30 a.m. Place de Cuesmes
· Noon Château de Warelles
· 3:00 p.m. Mons Memorial Museum
· 5:00 p.m. Grand’Place de Mons
Organiser: Mons Memorial Museum