It was an instant crush when programmer Clara Dhilly first encountered Dour Festival in 2014. Since then, she’s been a regular onsite. Her personal connection grew into a professional role in 2018, and it organically evolved into programming. Today, she helps shape one of Belgium’s most genre-blending and community-driven music festivals
For those who haven’t experienced it yet, what do you want people to know about Dour Festival?
Dour Festival is a place where you should be okay with getting lost. For us, it’s more than just music—we want people to open their minds. It’s a commitment to promoting diversity. You might show up for a few of the big names, but magic happens when you wander between stages and stumble across something unexpected. One minute it’s reggae dub, the next garage rock, then a Belgian jazz act, a hip-hop set, or an immersive open-air dance floor. I was initially worried I’d get lost in such a big crowd, but Dour’s small, connected communities make you feel at home. My tip: set a meeting point with your friends, but don’t worry if you lose them — just explore.
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What do you think makes this festival stand out in Belgium’s large festival scene?
The community of festival-goers and the kind, warm vibe they carry. It’s five days of going wild but in the best way, surrounded by care. Without the crowd, Dour wouldn’t be the same. We’re inspired by many festivals, but not all manage to blend so many musical genres and communities. At Dour, you enter another world. The location is quite special; it’s out in the middle of nowhere, and when you’re camping with 45,000 people, it feels like a village. I love seeing the first moments when campers arrive, that’s where the pulse of the festival is.
Are there names on this year’s line-up that you’re personally excited about?
FKA twigs is going to be incredible. I saw her in Brussels recently, and it was a stunning performance – more than just music. I’m excited for Two Shell and Nico Moreno, who will curate his own line-up. I’m looking forward to Pabllo Vittar’s debut at La Petite Maison dans la Prairie stage on 19 July. She is more than a pop star, she is an icon for the LGBTQ+ community. Saint Levant from Palestine will also be there. His live show is powerful, and his lyrics speak on current events, which I find deeply important.
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What are some emerging and underground acts not to miss?
Le Labo stage says it all — so many great acts to see. We’ve got mother-daughter duo Queen Asher & Rehema Tajiri bringing their high-speed Singeli sound. Boutcha Bwa are playing Bouyon music from Martinique. I also wouldn’t miss Crystalmess’s live show. After that, HiTech from Detroit will bring raw energy, humour and mosh pits to the dancefloor. They mix ghettotech, house, rap and Miami bass, and have become one of the most talked-about acts since their European debut.
Given the eclectic nature of the festival, what parts of the programming do you enjoy most?
It can be challenging, but I like it when all the puzzle pieces start falling into place. There’s a vision board in front of your eyes every day, and sometimes a colleague’s feedback shatters it completely—but I love that! Recently, after a discussion with my colleague Hugo, I decided to shift more live acts into late-night slots, where it’s usually DJ-heavy. I like the opportunity to flip expectations.
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As a female booker at this scale, how has that shaped your view of the industry?
It’s both exciting and difficult. I’m mindful of parity in the workplace, but also for the crowd: they need to see more women on stage. I’d estimate around 80 per cent of my booking negotiations are with men. At times, it’s hard to stay confident when you regularly feel like you need to legitimise your presence. Progress is slow, but I really hope I’ll be working alongside more women in this role.
<div class="editorial-banner"> <div class=“editorial-credits”> @dourfestival<br/><br>Different Class members get 50% off on their Dour day ticket for Thursday, Friday or Sunday with a limit of 1 ticket per member.<br>Check the information on the event page of our website.</div></div>
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