Reopening of ‘Het veerhuis’ in Klein-Willebroek

This legendary jazz club, which has been an integral part of local life for over 55 years, reopened its doors in early September.

The Veerhuis was founded over half a century ago by the Fondy Riverside Bullet Band. At the time, a group of residents from Bomen would cross the River Rupel by ferry to reach Klein-Willebroek. What began as a combination of a jazz club and a band went on to become a landmark for fans of New Orleans jazz, both in Belgium and abroad.

“It is an honour and a pleasure to carry on their legacy,” says Peter De Ridder, chairman of the non-profit organisation De Kaaimannen, which took over the venue after it had stood empty for three years.

Eight months of work by volunteers were needed to fully renovate the building. “The entire electrical system, from the cellar to the attic, has been refurbished. The stage has been enlarged and the first floor has been converted into a meeting room capable of accommodating around twenty people. A radio studio has also been set up for Radio Rivierenland,” explains Mr De Ridder. The venue itself can accommodate around 90 audience members.