During the Culture Festival at Scharpoord, the Young Talent Award, International Appeal Award, and Cultural Carrier Award Knokke-Heist were presented. Following the protocol, a spectacular show featured local associations specializing in dance, music, spoken word, and musical theater. A notable collaboration this year involved three different dance groups, enhanced by live music from the Youth Orchestra of the Royal Harmony St-Cecilia Heist. Upcoming productions from musical groups Spelospots and Milo were also previewed, alongside contributions from local theater groups.
Several individuals were honored with a Silver Medal for their long-term commitment. Philip Demunter, chairman of De Club der Officieren Knokke-Heist, was recognized as an ambassador for military culture. Erik Dhondt, who has dedicated 31 years to the same club, and Hugo Hannon, chairman and 44-year member of the Knokke Bridge Club and organizer of an international bridge tournament in late December 2026 in Ravelingen, also received this distinction.
The Gold Medal was awarded to five women who founded Soroptimist International Knokke-Oostkust 52 years ago: Jenny De Gryse, Katrien Matthys, Marie-Christine De Leyn, Marie Van Everbroeck, and Viviane Woestyn, who remain actively involved members.
The engagement of young people in community life was highlighted with the honoring of Flore Ruysschaert, nominated by the Gezinsbond Knokke-Heist where she serves as chairwoman. Her involvement began at age 15 with Sportiek and continued through the Youth Council, Koninklijke Balletgroep Le Cygne, the reading jury, and the Gezinsbond. Roger Van Parijs, a loyal member of Malino (an association for word and letter puzzles) for 47 years, was honored for his 30 years of organizing weekend trips and representing the association in umbrella organizations.
The Young Talent Award was presented to 16-year-old cellist Martijn Lemens. This encouragement award aims to stimulate promising artists at the beginning of their careers. Lemens, who started cello lessons with MAAK ten years ago, demonstrated exceptional talent, work ethic, and perseverance, leading him to perform on various stages.
Charlotte Verminck received the International Appeal Award for her work as a young filmmaker. Her short film ‘Mind of Thoughts’ won awards at international film festivals in Los Angeles, New York, and Barcelona. She is currently developing a project focused on fashion.
The Cultural Carrier Award Knokke-Heist was given to Rik De Bree, recognized for his exceptional contribution to the local community life. He was a leader at KSA, manager of Jeugdclub De Beurze, a driving force behind the sports camps of Sportiek Knokke-Heist, active within the Koninklijke Balletgroep Le Cygne (managing membership and accounting), and at the helm of Brick by Brick.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the audience enjoyed diverse performances by local associations such as Dansgroep Heliopsis, Volkskunstgroep De Sloepe, Koninklijke Balletgroep Le Cygne, and the Youth Orchestra of the Koninklijke harmonie St-Cecilia. Koninklijk Toneelgezelschap Knokke-Heist, Westkapels Amateurtheater, Spelospots, and Milo also showcased their talents. The evening concluded with a reception at the Scharpoord Cultural Centre.
