The birds are all expertly assessed for colour, posture and shape. A novelty: for the first time, everyone can vote completely digitally, no more pen and paper. For the enthusiast, “a big improvement”, according to chairman Marc Laseure.
The fifty international judges come from, among others, Malta, Portugal and Turkey. The three winners of each category receive a real gold, silver or bronze ring, made by a jeweler. All this attracts around 5,000 visitors this year. Because this is “one of the most beautiful fairs in Belgium,” says Philippe Destrebecq from Ath. He comes here every year for the “many birds and knowledge, it’s worth the trip”.
