Bilzen

Bilzen (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈbɪlzə(n)] ^ⓘ) is a former municipality and city^[2] located in the Belgian province of Limburg.

CountryBelgium

Postal codes

3740, 3742, 3746

NIS code

73006

Websitewww.bilzen.be

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Bilzen
City and municipality
Alden Biesen Castle
Flag Coat of arms
Location of Bilzen in Limburg
Interactive map of Bilzen
Bilzen Location in Belgium
Coordinates: 50°52′N 05°31′E
Country	Belgium
Community	Flemish Community
Region	Flemish Region
Province	Limburg
Arrondissement	Tongeren
Government
• Mayor	Bruno Steegen (Open VLD, Beter Bilzen)
• Governing parties	Beter Bilzen, TOB (CD&V)
Population  (2018-01-01)[1]
• Total	32,318
Postal codes	3740, 3742, 3746
NIS code	73006
Area codes	089
Website	www.bilzen.be

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In 2021, Bilzen had a total population of 32,536.^[3] The total area is 75.90 km² which gives a population density of 426 inhabitants per km².

Bilzen consists of the city of Bilzen and the following villages: Beverst, Eigenbilzen, Grote-Spouwen [nl], Hees [nl], Hoelbeek [nl], Kleine-Spouwen [nl], Martenslinde [nl], Mopertingen [nl], Munsterbilzen [nl], Rijkhoven, Rosmeer [nl], and Waltwilder [nl]. In 1977 they all became part of the municipality Bilzen because of the fusion of municipalities.

Cities in Bilzen's neighbourhood are all within a distance of some 10 to 15 kilometers: to its north is Genk, to its east Maastricht (Netherlands), to its south Tongeren, and to its north-west Diepenbeek.

From 1965 to 1981 Bilzen hosted Jazz Bilzen, an annual multi-day open air jazz and rock festival. In its time Jazz Bilzen was the most important Belgian festival. Artists that performed, among many others, included: Humble Pie, The Moody Blues, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Humble Pie, The Kinks, The Troggs, Procol Harum, Golden Earring, Rod Stewart, Status Quo, Lou Reed, Aerosmith, AC/DC, The Cure, Toots Thielemans, Keith Jarrett and John McLaughlin. From the 1980s onwards, the festival was superseded by Torhout-Werchter, which has now become Rock Werchter.