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Three days of machine testing at the Saint-Antoine Landfill in Boussu
It’s almost that time again. In early September, the biennial DEMO DAYS 2026 event will take place for the third time at the Terril Saint-Antoine in Boussu. Once again, it won’t just be about looking at machines. Even more than before, visitors will be involved in the activities, That's what Managing Director Gregory Olszewski tells us.
For three days—Friday, September 4, Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6—the mining hills in Boussu will be filled with some fifty companies, which will exhibit and demonstrate more than a hundred machines and related equipment. From earthmoving and construction equipment to trucks, trailers, and accessories: everything will be ready for visitors to explore firsthand and try out for themselves in realistic job site conditions.
This year, the opportunity to discover and try things out for yourself is taking things a few steps further. For example, the test track for trucks has been made more visible from the earthmoving equipment section, so it will attract more visitors. What’s truly new is the division into two tracks, Gregory reports. One of these is a short track where visitors can view electric vehicles and, of course, test drive them themselves. To take a test drive, you must present a driver’s license with at least a Category C designation.
To get visitors even more involved in the event, a fun agility test has been added. Have you ever driven a tractor-trailer combination? It’s harder than you think. Gregory explains: “With the agility test, you can really amaze your friends and coworkers. Will you be able to complete a challenging course in under two minutes?” The agility test is expected to be especially fun to watch from the sidelines and to cheer on the test driver with great enthusiasm.
DEMO DAYS is a unique meeting place for operators, machine operators, technical managers, buyers, and companies specifically looking for new machines and solutions. After all, before making an investment, you naturally want to be sure of your choice. Scheduling appointments with different brands takes time and involves travel. During DEMO DAYS, you can compare and test different models in a single day, together with your team and under realistic conditions. It’s also an ideal opportunity to make new contacts and get an up-close look at the latest innovations and developments in the industry.
To visit for free, you can register online in advance at www.demodays2026.be. The ticket is valid for 3 days for 1 person. If you buy a ticket on-site without a code, it costs 25 euros.
On Friday, September 4, Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, you can visit the Terril Saint-Antoine daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Paid parking is available near the entrance at Chemin de Thulin 2, 7370 Dour (follow the signs).
The machines are spread across three zones. Each zone has restroom facilities and a food and beverage stand. (Please note: For safety reasons, DEMO DAYS is a completely alcohol-free event.)
The grounds are very expansive and do not have any designated walking trails. The visitor trail is nearly 3 km long and features slopes of up to 20 percent on rocky terrain. Therefore, avoid open-toed or loose-fitting shoes; instead, opt for boots or safety shoes. Unfortunately, the grounds are not accessible to people with disabilities, wheelchair users, or strollers. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Only certified service dogs are permitted, and they must be clearly identifiable and carry official certification.
