Carillonneur Frank Deleu is honorary citizen of Menen: ‘Sweet guy, but so modest’

Frank Deleu grew up in Menen and was the city carillonneur for 34 years. It all started sixty years ago in the belfry of Menen, where he got a taste for carillon music as a child.

He is now the ninth honorary citizen of Menen. “It really is a special honour. Not so much for myself, but especially for the carillon that is recognized in the city,” says Frank.

“He is a very sweet guy, yet so modest. We are happy that he is finally being given a great honor,” says Marc Decramer of the Banjo Orchestra in Menen.

“It’s been nice”

After Menen, Izegem, Kortrijk and Bruges followed. He now also lives in the latter city. Frank Deleu spread our carillon culture all over the world and brought the whole world to West Flanders. “Don’t forget that West Flanders is the province with the most carillons. Most of them were rebuilt after the Second World War, Menen a little later. But we still have historical carillons. So it is a fantastic heritage in our province.”

In 2017 he stopped permanently as a carillonneur. But will we ever hear him play the carillon again? “I think I will stubbornly refuse. It’s been great and I really like listening to the colleagues.” On September 1, the Banjo Orchestra opens the Wieltjesfeesten in Menen with Frank Deleu as conductor.