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Belgium cancels Waterloo battle reenactment due to heat / Photo: EMMANUEL DUNAND - AFP
Belgium cancels Waterloo battle reenactment due to heat
Belgium has cancelled this weekend's reenactment of Napoleon's defeat at the battle of Waterloo as the country swelters under a heatwave.
The annual event sees hundreds of enthusiasts dressed up in Napoleonic-era costumes recreate the battle from 1815 before history-loving crowds.
"Waterloo 2026 reenactments cancelled: safety first," the organisers announced late Thursday.
"The safety of the public, participants, volunteers, emergency service workers cannot be comprised."
Temperatures in Belgium are nearing record highs for June, as part of a broader heatwave choking swathes of Europe.
The battle of Waterloo -- just south of Brussels -- saw a coalition of nations under British commander the Duke of Wellington deal a final defeat to French ruler Napoleon Bonaparte.
A.Desjardins--SMC
