Geel, Belgium – A unique concept at Reggae Geel this year. The bar in the Dub Forest – known for its impressive bass and towering sound system – will be run by an association of deaf and hard-of-hearing people on Saturday. Drinks can only be ordered using Flemish Sign Language.
Actors on site, signs, and online videos will clarify how this works to the audience. This original approach is a win-win: the volunteers raise funds for their organisation, the festival raises awareness about hearing damage, and the deaf volunteers can enjoy the music. After all, you can literally feel the dub in the Dub Forest in your body.
“Ordering drinks at the bar in our Dub Forest will indeed only be via Flemish Sign Language this year,” explains Toon Verbeeck, head organiser of Reggae Geel. “Volunteers completely run our festival. This year, for our dub stage, we specifically sought out an organisation of deaf and hard-of-hearing people. We want to highlight the risk of hearing damage to festivalgoers in a way that benefits everyone. It’s also a logical step. People with disabilities have long been an integral part of our team. We also involve the deaf community and their Flemish sign language in our festival.”
Crash course in ordering in sign language: how it works
From XXX, visitors can find videos on the Reggae Geel website and social media: a crash course in ordering drinks in Flemish Sign Language. This way, they can prepare in the weeks leading up to the festival. Those who want to refresh their knowledge on-site can scan QR codes at the bar.
On Saturday from 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM, actors will help festivalgoers master Flemish Sign Language even better through interactive micro-workshops on the festival grounds. This way, everyone can place their orders confidently – you don’t even have to talk over the music.
“I can already tell you that ordering a pint in Flemish Sign Language is not just raising your pinky,” laughs Toon Verbeeck. “You can discover what it is on our socials and website.”
Reggae Geel has always been aware of the risks of hearing damage. For years, in collaboration with CM and Safe’n’Sound, free hearing protectors for children and earplugs have been distributed to visitors. This campaign is an extension of those efforts.
Beyond Well-Being: safe, healthy, and responsible festival
Much energy has been put into responsible partying at Reggae Geel for a long time. The multifaceted approach pays off as the prevention campaigns resonate and have an impact. The festival is known as one of the most relaxed in the country. Visitors are well taken care of and supported:
- The Ask for Angela campaign focuses on stopping inappropriate behaviour in the party scene.
- Safe’n’Sound informs visitors about the pitfalls and risks of drug use.
- Free drinking water is provided during hot temperatures.
- Special wristbands ensure that only those over 18 are served alcohol.
- In partnership with FLINE, a stand is available with free alcohol tests.
- A walking lobster (yes!) distributes free sunscreen to everyone.
Sustainability as a spearhead in collaboration with WinForLife
The well-being of the planet is also considered. This year, in partnership with WinForLife, a project is set up to capture and purify all shower water on-site so it flows safely into nature.
The system with eco-tokens and reusable cups has long been present at the festival and is being used again this year. Mobile solar panels power the children's zone. A tree specialist monitors the health of the trees in the Dub Forest every year.
Supporting local traders: fair and sustainable, too
More than ever, the food offerings at the festival will focus on local and sustainable practices. Food Trucks are encouraged to use local ingredients. For example, all French fries potatoes are grown in a neighbouring municipality, and the stew comes from Belgian cows and is freshly prepared nearby.
New this year: a Farmers Market at the campsite replaces the breakfast tent. Here, local Food Trucks and vendors will sell their fresh produce. Additionally, Reggae Geel continues to promote Fairtrade products with wines and snacks strongly.
“Of course, visitors return yearly for the music and the atmosphere. But when they are here, we want to pamper them in a good, sustainable, and responsible way. This way, everyone can go home happy on Sunday, we support local and Fairtrade traders, and we raise awareness about important topics. And all this in one weekend. Sounds good, right?” concludes Toon Verbeeck, head organiser.
Wonderful line-up awaits visitors
Reggae Geel takes place this year on Friday, August 1, and Saturday, August 2, 2024. Julian Marley & The Uprising, viral superstar YG Marley, hip-hop pioneers Arrested Development, dancehall sensation Skillibeng, Italian reggae don Alborosie with his hits, African afrobeats phenomenon Stonebwoy and more than 60 other artists will brighten the weekend.
Visitors can visit
www.reggaegeel.com or our social media for practical information and tickets.
If you have further questions about the wellness and prevention policy, please contact head organiser Toon Verbeeck at toon.verbeeck@reggaegeel.com or 0478 54 70 01.
All other press inquiries may be directed to communication@reggaegeel.com.
