5 fun events in Flanders this week

Mantra Singing
The singing of mantras is an ancient practice that uplifts the spirit and clears the mind. Join in an evening of guided mantra singing, led by three voices along with musical accompaniment. Registration required via [email protected]. 16 April 19.30-21.00, Fitopia, Mechelsesteenweg 154, Edegem (Antwerp province); €20

Farm and Flower Market
Every year, the village of Lochristi is transformed into an outdoor market selling plants, flowers, gardening tools, farm equipment and regional products. There’s also sheep shearing, birds of prey, bouncy castle, petting zoo and more. 16 April 10.00-18.00, across Lochristi (East Flanders); free

Sustainable Spring Family Festival
The municipality of Vorst in Brussels hosts a series of events each spring to promote ecological practices. This afternoon festival includes workshops on bread baking, vegetarian and wild food, building an insect hotel and making your own eco-friendly cleaning products. Plus children’s activities, info stands, prize raffles and more. 16 April 13.00-18.00, Vorst Abbey, Brusselsesteenweg 59, Brussels; free

Manga and Cosplay Festival
Hasselt’s Japanese Garden once again hosts its popular weekend devoted to Japanese pop culture. Fans of manga (Japanese comic books) and anime (cartoons and animated films) go all out, dressing up as their favourite characters and showing off their costumes on the catwalk. 16-17 April 10.00-18.00; Japanese Garden, Gouverneur Verwilghensingel 23, Hasselt; €6

Watermill Festival
Celebrate the start of the tourist season in Meeuwen-Gruitrode with a weekend of outdoor activities for the whole family. A new bike route linking five watermills, a guided walk with sheep and a picnic, live musical entertainment, regional specialties (featuring local blueberries), horse-drawn wagon rides and more. 17 April 10.00-18.00, Hoogmolenweg 15, Meeuwen-Gruitrode (Limburg); free

Photo courtesy Prana Yoga