Get ready to celebrate the Annie Cordy Tunnel -

This Sunday, 22 May, the Leopold II tunnel will officially change its name to Annie Cordy tunnel.

The official inauguration, in the presence of the artist’s niece Michèle Lebon-Cooreman and Annie Cordy’s family, will mark the end of the complete renovation of the tunnel carried out over the last few years in order to improve the safety and comfort of its users. This inauguration, jointly organised by Brussels Mobility and equal.brussels, will be a celebration.

“After 4 years of work, the Leopold II tunnel has finally been renovated. What better time to name it after the wonderful and sparkling artist who was chosen by the people of Brussels, Annie Cordy? I am delighted that her name is now an integral part of the Brussels landscape,” said Elke Van den Brandt, Minister for Mobility.

“We are convinced that a more egalitarian region also requires the public promotion of women who have left their mark on its history. We therefore hope that this participatory approach will give rise to other initiatives, whether communal or civic, to feminise the names of Brussels streets, avenues or squares,” explains the Secretary of State for Equal Opportunities, Nawal Ben Hamou.

An inauguration in support of Pink Ribbon

The official inauguration of the tunnel will be followed by a solidarity walk in aid of Pink Ribbon. On this occasion, the tunnel will be open to walkers from all walks of life who wish to show their solidarity with the 100,000 or so women who are fighting breast cancer in Belgium. Annie Cordy’s songs will punctuate the route. This exceptional walk is part of the Pink Walk organised throughout the month of May by the Pink Ribbon non-profit organisation, which raises funds to support concrete projects for patients undergoing treatment.

“We wanted to place the inauguration of the Annie Cordy tunnel under the sign of solidarity towards the many women who fight breast cancer every day. On this occasion, equal.brussels will sponsor the first 2,500 walkers who will register to walk the 4 km of the renovated tunnel. This symbolic walk, open to all, will allow the Region to support patients and their families in a very concrete way, but also to raise awareness among the general public about the need to be screened”, adds Nawal Ben Hamou.

A festive inauguration in tribute to Annie Cordy

The solidarity walk will be followed by a free tribute concert in Elisabeth Park organised by Annie Cordy’s niece. At 3pm, Annie Cordy’s artist friends of all generations will pay tribute to her in an exceptional kaleidoscope show based on her songs.

On the bill: Salvatore Adamo, David Alexis, Laurence Bibot, Dave, Frédéric François, Virginie Hocq, Sandra Kim, Marka, Gilbert Montagné, Swing Cockt’elles – Annabelle Sodi-Thibault, Ita Graffin, Morgane Touzalin-Macabia, les Frères Taloche, Udo, Hervé Vilard… Presentation: Els De Schepper & Cécile Djunga. The musical accompaniment will be provided by Annie Cordy’s orchestra and its choristers.

For Michèle Lebon-Cooreman, Annie Cordy’s niece: “It is very moving to see Annie’s friends, who crossed the path of this unforgettable woman and artist, reunited on stage in “her” Brussels. They were involved without hesitation, with enthusiasm, in the creation of this show, which will be in the image of Annie and which will resonate with the public with whom she shared a marvellous love story for 80 years. All of Annie’s artistic facets will be highlighted in this unique performance.

“During this festive Sunday, everyone will be able to discover, at their own pace, the magnificent frescoes by Charlotte Baudry that adorn the tunnel. All the walkers will be thanked by a concert in honour of Annie Cordy, given by her friends” adds Elke Van den Brandt.

Find out more about the concert