Volunteers transform Bilzen-hoeselt into a dickensian winter world

120 volunteers will perform in a free theater and winter event called Dickens in Bilzen-Hoeselt, Belgium, during the weekend of 12 and 13 December.

The event serves as the peak of a broader year-end campaign called Jouw stukje magie, which the city government launched to support local merchants and associations. Director Samuël Anastasi of Theaterproducties Illusoir is creating a new story for this year titled Een leven op papier.

The production explores the life of Charles Dickens and focuses on themes like work-life balance. Visitors will walk through five different scenes in the center of Bilzen and watch opening and closing shows on the Markt. A Dickens market will also run from 14:00 to the start of the theater performances at 17:00. The event grew from a small initiative by local theater groups in 2009 into the largest event in Bilzen-Hoeselt.

Local associations will run stalls at the market to encourage people to shop and drink locally. Griet Mebis, the alderman for Economy, says the event helps people discover the city center in a special way and strengthens community ties.