Kiss my AFF: Limburg's Absolutely Free Festival returns for 10th edition

Because it’s an anniversary edition, there’s also “free” coffee and a “free” piece of Limburgse vlaai on Saturday. To get a taste of this sweet regional speciality, you need to bring an extra 10 used batteries, which, of course, will be sorted and recycled later on. Or just pay €3, which sounds a lot easier and will be donated to Natuurpunt.

Highlights of the programme include German indie pop band The Notwist and the American-Sudanese multi-instrumentalist Sinkane (pictured). The latter used to work as a session musician for Caribou and Yeasayer, directed a band that celebrated the heritage of the Nigerian funk icon William Onyeabor and is now attempting an interesting solo career.

The otherworldly soundscapes by British musician Will Samson and the set by leading Canadian electronic artist Jessy Lanza are also highly anticipated.

Local bands to watch out for are the Brussels psych-rock quartet BRNS, the insane Ghent noise collective Hypochristmutreefuzz and the post-punk outfit Whispering Son, last year’s winner of Humo’s Rock Rally. Their dark, icy synth sound, personified by the deep voice of frontwoman Fenne Kuppens, has roots in the north of Limburg.

But if you still get lost in the myriad styles and bands lined up here, go find the Tentoo Tent, where local music connoisseur Laurens Leurs — a music educator and veteran singer who used to front the popular Limburg rock band The Romans — looks back on 10 year of the Absolutely Free Festival and will be able to guide you through the programme.

4-5 July, C-Mine, Genk