The municipal council of Knokke-Heist has granted the new concession for the popular event beach in Duinbergen to Here Comes The Sun BV, the organization behind KH Summercamp. This agreement will run from 2027 through 2031. Over the past four summers, the beach has become a staple summer destination in the municipality.
Thomas Van Hoof from Here Comes The Sun expressed his pleasure in being able to build further on the experience gained. "The experience we have built at this location allows us to refine the concept further. We want to continue to surprise with new forms of experience while remaining strongly rooted locally," Van Hoof stated. The new proposal builds on the successes of previous years, with a clear vision for further evolution.
The future vision for the event beach includes evolving into a versatile summer destination. In addition to music, there will be space for culture, sports, relaxation, and family activities. KH Summercamp specifically aims to attract younger audiences with innovative sports and lifestyle concepts, e-sports, and accessible activities. A surfing concept with an artificial wave is even being explored, with the ambition to position the beach not just as a classic event location, but as a place where various forms of summer experiences can complement and strengthen each other.
A crucial aspect of the new concession is the emphasis on collaboration with local stakeholders. KH Summercamp intends to strengthen ties with local associations, organizers, entrepreneurs, hospitality businesses, and tourism partners. The initiative targets not only visitors from outside Knokke-Heist but also aims to involve residents, second-home owners, and local organizations. "The event beach is not just for major events or external visitors. We also want to provide space for local initiatives and entrepreneurs and explore how we can connect different partners," Van Hoof emphasized.
The municipality views the event beach as a valuable addition to Knokke-Heist's broader tourism offerings. During the previous concession period, over 80,000 visitors were welcomed, and more than sixty different events and activities were organized. The new concept aims to continue and innovate this broad approach, focusing on music, sports, culture, relaxation, and hospitality to enhance the summer experience.
The relationship with the surrounding environment also remains a priority. The new concession includes provisions for enhanced community communication, consultation meetings, and clear information regarding programming and timing. Measures will be implemented to minimize the impact on the environment. "An event beach must provide experiences while respecting its surroundings. Therefore, we will continue to focus on consultation, communication, and minimizing potential disturbances in the coming years," stated KH Summercamp.
The specific program for the summer of 2027 will be announced at a later date.
