Festival Reborn: Daughters Honor father’s Legacy

The story of Marktrock, ⁢a once-vibrant music festival, is one of both loss and renewal. For years, it was⁤ a cornerstone⁤ of the European music scene, attracting major acts and launching ​the careers of many. A key figure behind its success was Jos “Jokke” ⁤Kerkhofs,‍ a dedicated programmer and stage manager who, in 1987,⁢ famously ⁤booked the then-unknown​ band Clouseau,‍ giving many their first exposure to the group. ⁣”For many ‌people that was their first introduction to the band,” recalls one attendee.

However, the festival’s trajectory eventually‍ shifted. By 2008, the original organizers had ⁢ended their involvement, and Marktrock​ faced⁢ a period of decline, ⁤ultimately concluding in 2015.The festival’s ​final curtain⁢ call came in 2015, marking the end of an era.

Tragedy ‍struck in 2004 when ⁣Kerkhofs passed away unexpectedly from a heart ‍artery rupture. His daughters, Kat, then 16, ⁣and Lyn, 17, were​ left to grapple with their loss. Now,⁢ years later, fueled by cherished memories of their father and the festival he⁢ helped build, ‍they are undertaking a remarkable endeavor: reviving Marktrock.

This isn’t‌ just​ a simple relaunch; it’s a tribute, a continuation of a legacy. The sisters aim to capture the spirit of‍ the original‍ festival while adapting it ​to the modern music​ landscape. Their ‍efforts represent a powerful testament to the enduring impact of a beloved father and a‍ cherished event.​ The story of Marktrock’s revival is a⁤ poignant reminder ⁢of how the past can inspire‍ a vibrant future.

Marktrock is a music festival held annually around August 15th in Leuven,⁣ Belgium. [[2]]



The festival will return on August 23, 2025. [[1]]



It is being revived by the daughters of one of the festival’s founders,⁤ Jos “Jokke” Kerkhofs, who passed away in 2004. [[1]]⁤ [[3]]