Ypres cancels Frontnacht festival over neo-Nazi links in 2022

In 2022, the city of Ypres faced significant controversy when it canceled the Frontnacht festival, organized by the group Ijzerwake, due to its connections with neo-Nazi groups. This decision was met with backlash, as Ypres is known for its commitment to peace and remembrance of World War I. The festival was intended to take place shortly before the Yser Wake, a Flemish nationalist event, raising concerns about the potential for far-right groups to gather and promote divisive ideologies in a city symbolizing unity. The Council of State later supported the organizers, emphasizing the importance of event rights and the need to uphold legal permits for gatherings that comply with local regulations. Despite this backing, the city council maintained that the cancellation was necessary to ensure public safety, citing threats and potential violence as key reasons for their decision. Alderman Philip Bolle highlighted the need to protect Ypres's peaceful reputation amidst rising tensions. In light of the cancellation, Ijzerwake announced that they would not hold the Frontnacht festival again but would instead organize a different event on their camaraderie night. They also expressed intentions to seek compensation from the city for the financial losses incurred due to the festival's cancellation. This situation sparked a broader discussion about balancing the right to assemble with the responsibility to maintain a city's identity, particularly one like Ypres, which is deeply rooted in the values of peace and reconciliation.