Summer Festival 2025
For its 5th edition, The Summer Festival of Trolls & Legends enchanted Mons on Saturday, August 2, 2025. From 10 AM to 7 PM, the crowd of fantasy enthusiasts - over 1500 festival-goers - filled the Old Abattoirs of Mons to experience the most magical day of the summer, open for free to everyone. Despite unpredictable weather (a first, as rain made an appearance when usually the sun is shining), the atmosphere remained bright. This summer event, an outdoor and lighter version of the grand fantasy festival Trolls & Legends born in Mons, once again proved it could make both young and old dream in a friendly and family-oriented atmosphere. Organized in collaboration with the City of Mons, this Summer 2025 allowed the spirit of the festival to continue at the heart of the Mons summer.
In a festive and warm atmosphere, visitors were able to enjoy a rich program with multiple facets. A local craft market animated the site, offering original creations and local products from the region: fairy decorations, jewelry, natural cosmetics, pottery, leather, illustrations... There was something for everyone.
Just a few steps from the stalls, the games area attracted the curious with its modern board game tables and introductions to role-playing games. Throughout the day, Belgian associations and creators - such as Vincent Joassin and Cédric Staces - invited the public to play, test new games, and chat in a good-natured atmosphere. The youngest were not left out: a children's corner offered a craft workshop, face painting (fantasy makeup) to transform into a legendary creature, and a large inflatable castle that brought them joy.
On the entertainment side, imagination came to life through shows and activities for all ages. Around a corner, one could encounter a storyteller captivating families or a medieval-fantasy show orchestrated by the troupe Edana Foa, complete with swords and costumes. The more daring tried their hand at axe throwing, testing their warrior skills in a safe and playful setting. Everywhere, street performers and actors in costumes wandered, adding an extra touch of magic to the event. This profusion of themed activities plunged Mons into an atmosphere worthy of the best fantasy tales for a day.
The concerts, highly anticipated highlights for festival-goers, once again transported the audience. Four bands, each embodying a facet of fantasy music, took turns on stage. The tone was set at noon by Sacré Bardel, humorous medieval folk trio, led by the flamboyant knight Jean-Truie, whose bawdy songs and medieval parodies sparked laughter and applause.
Later, Songs and Dragons took the audience on an epic musical journey, covering both the legendary tunes from our favorite video games and movies as well as their own compositions. In the late afternoon, the young Flemish duo Fyndus enchanted the audience with their mesmerizing Celtic folk: between Emma Coopman's Celtic harp and Thomas Hoste's hurdy-gurdy, their dancing melodies made everyone want to tap their feet and even dance a little. Finally, to close the day in style, the four companions of Blood of the Green shook the walls of the Abattoirs with their high-energy Celtic rock. To the sound of Irish ballads, sea shanties, and unleashed power-folk, they transported the audience into the electrifying atmosphere of a Celtic pub, complete with beer and kilts.
In the end, this Summer Festival of Trolls & Legends 2025 was a success despite the unpredictable weather. It allowed for the celebration of local talent - whether artisans, musicians, or game creators - while providing participants with a timeless day filled with elves, dragons, and heroes of all kinds. This summer edition once again proves that Trolls & Legends is much more than a festival: it is a large family united by a passion for fantasy, where the magic continues to thrive year after year, season after season.