Dua Lipa fans have been joining Sportpaleis for hours: « It is not expected that there would already be so many people » (Deurne)
© Sarah van den Elsken
Ever since early morning and in some cases even since midnight fans of Dua Lipa have been waiting at the Sportpaleis in Antwerp at the second concert of the British pop star in her Radical Optimism Tour. They defy temperatures that rise above thirty degrees Celsius in the afternoon.
Dua Lipa will perform three evenings this week in the sold -out Sportpaleis. The concert series started on Wednesday and runs until Friday. Despite the tropical heat, the circumstances do not scare her most devoted fans. Some have had a long journey to see their idol up close.
The fans want to conquer a nice place for the stage. – © Sarah van den Elsken
« I’ve been here since 1 o’clock in the morning, » says Paul-Emile (23) from Nantes, France. He managed to get a place in front in the row. « Immediately after work I stepped on the plane to Brussels and then came here immediately. I have already seen three shows of this tour and I intend to attend him as often as possible. It is worth it if you can be so close and have interaction with the artist. »
Paul-Emile stayed up all night to be the first to stand in line. – © Sarah van den Elsken
Behind him are dozens of others: sitting on blankets, sheltered under parasols or standing in the row with solar hats and bottles of water. Among them also many Dutch fans, such as Danique van Dam (18) from Rotterdam: « We left early in the hope of a place at the front. But we did not expect that there would be so many people. »
Read too. Dua Lipa provides Belgian test during Show in Antwerp with Hit Van Axelle Red
Because waiting under the burning sun can be risky, the organization has introduced a system. Everyone gets a serial number written on the hand. « For example, it is possible to temporarily leave the line – for example to get something to get to eat, go to the toilet or even take a short break in a nearby hotel – without losing our place, » says Danique.
Danique came to the Sportpaleis with a friend from Rotterdam. – © Sarah van den Elsken
Thursday’s concert is the second in the series of three. During the first show, Dua Lipa brought a surprising ode to Belgium with a cover of Sensualité Van Axelle Red. Whether she makes another locally inspired choice tonight is still unclear. She may be expected to do her duet Fever With Angèle or a song from Stromae.
