From 31 May, today, to Sunday 2 June 2024, giant balloon animals are on display on and near Antwerp‘s high street the Meir. Yesterday morning, King Kong, a tiger, an octopus and pink elephants were already on display. In total, there will be balloon animals on eight locations.

The Antwerp On Air festival wants to put the architecture of the Meir in the spotlight in an original way. Various inflatable installations from X-treme Creations will be on display.

First year

It is the first year that this free festival will take place. Phil Blondé came up with the idea and joined forces with the City of Antwerp, Beleef Antwerpen (Experience Antwerp), Grand Bazar Shopping, Shopping Stadsfeestzaal, Beroepsbelg, City Smiles, Katoen Natie, Indaver and The Phoebus Foundation SON. 

“I sat with the retailers of the Meir and they really wanted to highlight their street and Antwerp. Many cities do that with a light festival, but I wanted something original” creator Phil Blondé tells Gazet van Antwerpen.

Festival?

On Thursday morning, many people stopped walking or cycling to take pictures of the animals, so they do get attention. But which aspect of these make it a ‘festival’, I do not know…