Reggae Geel
Reggae · Belse Bossen, Geel, Belgium
Reggae — the oldest in Europe
Reggae Geel is Europe's oldest reggae festival: its official history page traces it to the « long hot summer of 1978 », in Geel, in Belgium's Kempen region, on a meadow at the edge of the Belse Bossen woods. Its slogan says it plainly: « Europe's Best & Oldest Reggae Festival ».
Its stages have become institutions: the Gold/Main Stage for roots, the Bounce Dancehall for dancehall and ragga, and the world-renowned Dub Forest. In 2026 the festival grew for the first time to three full days (July 30 – August 1), with five stages and over 100 artists — Beenie Man, stepping in for Super Cat as headliner, Christopher Martin, Patoranking, Queen Omega, Anthony B, L'Entourloop, Danakil and Shy FX.
Reggae Geel remains a community festival, run by Funky Fun Productions vzw, with an adjoining official campsite and « democratic » prices: 36,000 visitors in 2025. Burning Spear, Jimmy Cliff, Steel Pulse, Sister Nancy, Protoje and Alborosie have all played it.
No 2027 edition has been announced on official channels so far (checked November 13-14, 2026) — Festival TV will update this page as soon as the festival announces it.
Watch
The official aftermovie of Reggae Geel 2024 — the video picked in Moïse 1er's selection:
Reggae Geel 2024 — the official aftermovie (Reggae Geel)