144.738 x Thank you !

Mons en Lumières” has successfully wrapped up its very first edition, drawing an impressive 144,738 visitors. This remarkable turnout marked a significant achievement for an event making its debut, garnering widespread media attention and social media buzz throughout the country and beyond. The positive word-of-mouth from delighted visitors highlighted eight surreal and poetic evenings. Featuring 27 luminous artworks along a 3km trail, the festival offered a fresh perspective on the city, shining a light on less-known areas, newly renovated districts, and restored heritage sites.

The primary aim of the City of Mons was to attract people during the typically slow season extending from the end of sales to spring.

Mayor Nicolas Martin envisions establishing “Mons en Lumières” as a must-visit event in the Walloon calendar, drawing thousands from across the country and beyond, thereby enhancing Mons’s status as a premier Belgian tourist destination. “This success was made possible by the professionalism of the city’s teams, the police, and volunteers, whom I’d like to thank. This event is a significant operation for Mons: funded by European Funds, it has brought substantial economic benefits to the local commercial fabric. It’s important to note that the subsidies were designated solely for tourist and cultural projects; we fought to secure them so our region could shine,” he stated.

“Mons en Lumières” proved to be a massive hit, with restaurants and hotels experiencing full bookings across eight evenings. In a time usually quiet commercially, the HORECA sector saw bustling activity.

Enhanced bus and train services, which the City plans to expand in future editions with the help of TEC and SNCB, also played a crucial role in attracting visitors from all over the country and beyond. The city center was packed, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.

“The teams are energized by this popular and critical success. It gives us the necessary drive to prepare an even more spectacular show for the second edition in 2025. With this first experience under our belt, we aim to set the bar even higher,” says Natacha Vandenberghe, Director of the Department of Culture and Tourism.