Closing the Year on Home Ground: KLJ SML New Year’s Party in Lennik
Lennik is getting ready for a very special night. On 31 December, the football grounds of KFC Lennik will once again host the KLJ Sint-Martens-Lennik New Year's Party — and this year, I'll be behind the decks from 22:00 to 23:00 to help set the tone for the final hours of the year.
What makes this event unique is not just the countdown to midnight. It's the fact that this party has become the last remaining New Year's party in the wider region. Where Lennik, Gooik and Tollembeek once had several large-scale New Year's events, KLJ SML keeps the tradition alive — against the odds.
A tradition that started in 1999
The very first edition dates back to the transition from 1998 to 1999, when the party was organised to raise funds for new KLJ facilities. What started in the old boys' school later moved to the sports hall, and over the years even attracted crowds of up to 4,000 visitors.
Today, the context has changed. Young people go out differently, more locally and in smaller groups. Volunteering and committing to long nights of organisation, setup and cleanup has become far less obvious than it once was.
Commitment behind the scenes
According to KLJ SML, the event still exists thanks to a strong mix of young members and a dedicated team of former leaders who step in to keep everything running smoothly. From building the tent to serving drinks all night and cleaning up afterwards — it's a massive effort, especially when New Year's Day family lunches are waiting.
Yet every year, ticket sales rise as 31 December approaches. With a tent capacity of 1,800 people and a target of around 1,400 partygoers, the atmosphere promises to be intense but comfortable.
Easy access, full energy
To make sure everyone gets home safely, special De Lijn party buses are organised across the Zenne Valley and the Pajottenland. No excuses — just music, friends and a proper New Year's vibe.
22:00–23:00: let's warm things up
Playing this party feels extra special. It's local, it's authentic, and it's driven by pure engagement. From 22h to 23h, I'll bring an energetic set designed to lift the crowd, build momentum and kick off the last stretch towards midnight.
One night. One tradition. One region still dancing together to end the year.
Get your tickets and see you in Lennik!