The fanfare was founded in 1897 by a group of chimney builders and their friends. Because the members were “free” to donate any financial contribution, the association chose the name “De Vrije Burgers”. 30 musicians, led by conductor Hermans, manifested themselves in our village. In 1946, Mr. Desiré de Pauw from Maastricht became the new conductor and the fanfare earned the honorary title of “Koninklijke” (“Royal”). Participation in music competitions started in 1957 and we promoted to the division of excellence. Houthalen, October 15, 1978: 1st prize. Mechelen, May 20, 1979: 1st prize and National Champion of Belgium. Tessenderlo, October 8, 1989: 1st prize with distinction. 1° prize with distinction in the excellence department on 14 October 2001, with 87.7%; becoming provincial champion. Leuven 2002, national champion in excellence division. Provincial champion in 2004. Lemmens Institute in Leuven 2012: laureate in the excellence department with 90.50% and winner of the Vlamo prize for fanfares for the highest achieved result. Early 2015, under Loek Smeijsters, the fanfare promoted to honorary division. In 2017, our fanfare peaked with participation in the WMC in 3rd division with a result of 91% and a Gold Medal Dirigent | Loek Smeijsters

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