The city of Leuven, Belgium, is gearing up for the revival of its much-loved festival, Marktrock, as announced by the Kerkhofs family during this year’s 'De Warmste Week'. After nearly two decades since its last occurrence, the festival will make its return on August 23, 2025.
Marktrock, founded by Jokke Kerkhofs in 1982, became one of Leuven’s hallmark events, inviting renowned artists and drawing crowds from all over Belgium and beyond. The festival scene was vibrant, showcasing iconic acts such as Iggy Pop and Simple Minds. Tragically, the founder passed away twenty years ago on Christmas Eve from heart failure, casting a shadow over future celebrations. His legacy, nonetheless, continues to echo through generations, especially among his family.
During their visit to the Warmste Huis, where they gathered to support charitable initiatives, sisters Kat and Lyn Kerkhofs revealed their plans to breathe new life back to the beloved festival. "We want to pay tribute to him," the sisters stated, emphasizing their heartfelt reason for the revival. They felt it was especially poignant to honor their father by restarting the festival which meant so much to him and the community.
Heartbreakingly, the sisters are still coming to terms with their father’s sudden passing two decades earlier. Lyn reflected on this difficult moment, saying, “We never got to say goodbye.” For both her and Kat, losing their father at such a young age has lingered heavily. They recalled the difficulties of growing up without him, stating how the absence of closure has continued to impact their lives.
The sisters are eager to bring back the nostalgia associated with the festival, with plans to not only celebrate their father but also to create new memories for fans of all ages. They announced, "Dad helped start the event in 1982, and it seemed like a nice tribute to bring it back now." The revival is seen as both a celebration of their father's contribution to the music scene and as a remembrance of the supportive cultural space it created within Leuven.
Marktrock isn’t merely about music; it embodies the spirit of the Leuven community. It offers locals and visitors alike a chance to gather, enjoy performances, and create lasting memories. The Kerkhofs sisters hope to attract many artists who can reflect the festival’s legacy and introduce new talent to the scene, reinforcing the community’s love for music.
Moving forward, the sisters are excited about the challenges and excitement of bringing Marktrock back to life. Their vision includes not only honoring their father's enduring spirit but also refreshing the festival for newer generations. They aim for it to resonate even more deeply with anyone who attends.
Marktrock will once again become the place to be, filled with culture, music, and heartfelt connections. It’s not just about the thrill of the performances; it’s about the memory and spirit of Jokke Kerkhofs, recognized by the festival's very revival.
With eager anticipation building around the return of Marktrock, locals are already marking their calendars for this much-anticipated event. The revival signifies not only the return of music to the streets of Leuven but also the invincible bond of family, remembrance, and the power of community.
