France: Wildfires in Gironde

Wildfires are affecting parts of Gironde (in southwestern France), including areas around Le Porge and Lège-Cap-Ferret. French authorities have evacuated some campsites and tourist accommodation. Access to affected areas may be restricted. Roads may be closed at short notice.

If you are already in the area or are planning to travel there, follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media, and contact your accommodation or travel provider for latest guidance.

If you are affected by a wildfire or another emergency, call 18 (fire service) or 112 (emergency services).

Wildfires in France

There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. For advice, visit the wildfires section on the Safety and security page.

BELGIUM: Free Museums Sunday this Sunday

This Sunday is the first Sunday of the Month which can only mean one thing....

FREE Museums Sunday! Over 160 museums are available to visit at no charge whatsoever, so this is a perfect opportunity to explore everything from history and art to the weird and wonderful that makes Belgium a great place to live! So whether its rain or shine this weekend, enjoy your downtime and make the most of this brilliant cultural initiative.

Some popular museums still require you to book online to guarantee entry but entry will be free on the first Sunday of every month.

Check out the participating museums HERE. And do check their website for any reservation requirements.

Happy Exploring!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: What’s on this week: 17 to 23 July

Belgian National Day - 21 July

Belgium celebrates its National Day, with the Belgian flag flying proudly across the country and festivities taking place nationwide.

In Brussels, celebrations include family activities, military and emergency services displays, and the annual civil and military parade from 16:00 in front of the Royal Palace. The day concludes with an evening concert in Cinquantenaire Park, followed by a spectacular laser, drone and fireworks display.

If you're looking for something to do during the holiday, there are events, festivals and celebrations taking place across Belgium throughout the weekend and on National Day itself.

For more information on what's happening, visit: 👉 https://www.thebulletin.be/whats-week-17-23-july-0

SHAPE: ‘Picture Perfect’ at Bozar: Exhibition, beauty market and rooftop celebration on 21 July

Before the thought-provoking and playful exhibition Picture Perfect at Bozar enters its final weeks, see the show at a discounted price and enjoy a special Beauty Market in the Brussels arts centre on Belgium’s national holiday.

A Celebration of Beauty on 21 July

With the purchase of an exhibition ticket (50% off, free for under 18s), visitors can access multiple activities at the Beauty Market set up in the Rotonde Suzanne Bertouille.

They include life drawing workshop (in collaboration with Palazzo Brussels), colour analysis sessions, personalised nail art with Kelali Nails and hairstyling workshops for textured hair. The celebration concludes in style on Bozar's rooftop, until 23.00.

SHAPE: World Breastfeeding Week Walk and Talk, Thursday 6th August 2026,11:00

Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2026 by joining the community "Walk and Talk" on SHAPE.

Then enjoy a picnic afterwards.

WHEN: Thursday 6th August 2026, 11:00
WHERE: SHAPE International Library
HOW: Just turn up, no need to pre-book
WHO: All Welcome, Bring a Friend.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Brits in NATO After Work Social, Thursday 30th July 2026 17:00 onwards

This month's Brits in NATO After Work Social is...

WHEN: Thursday 30th July 2026, 17:00 onwards
WHERE: NATO Staff Centre

Look out for the Union Jack.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Base Support Group Newcomers Briefing, Thursday 30th July 2026 09:30-10:45

The first of the four 2026 Newcomer's Briefs held by SHAPE Base Support Group is coming up.

This is an informative brief that serves to help you and your family to acclimate to your new community here on SHAPE; with 32 NATO member nations and additional partner and military cooperation nations represented at SHAPE, it truly is a diverse community.

Held in the Alliance Auditorium (Cinema), you with learn all about life on SHAPE, Morale & Welfare Facilities, Med Centre Provision and more. These also include a Guided Tour into Mons and can be undertaken on the same day or at a subsequent session, but a seat will need to reserved in advance. There is even a glass of bubbles on the Mons Tour!

WHEN: Thursday 30th July, 09:30 - 10:45, Tour of Mons follows.

WHERE: The Alliance Auditorium (Cinema)
HOW: Book your place HERE.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: SHAPE parkrun's 3rd Birthday, Saturday 25th July 2026 08:45 for 09:00 start, celebrations to follow

SHAPE parkrun's 3rd Birthday is coming up....

Don't miss the celebrations on Saturday 25th July 2026. Come along to walk, jog, run or anything in between, then enjoy the Refreshments and Cake in the Britbar afterwards, in true Birthday Party Style!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Social Dinner, Venue TBC, Friday 17th July 2026

This month is the Social Dinner...

WHEN: Friday 17th July 2026
WHERE: TBC

All welcome.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Free Museums Sunday this Sunday!

This Sunday is the first Sunday of the Month which can only mean one thing....

FREE Museums Sunday! Over 160 museums are available to visit at no charge whatsoever, so this is a perfect opportunity to explore everything from history and art to the weird and wonderful that makes Belgium a great place to live! So whether its rain or shine this weekend, enjoy your downtime and make the most of this brilliant cultural initiative.

Some popular museums still require you to book online to guarantee entry but entry will be free on the first Sunday of every month.

Check out the participating museums HERE. And do check their website for any reservation requirements.

Happy Exploring!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Britbar Community Opening, Friday 3rd July 2026

Don't miss the Britbar Community Opening this Friday! 

Come along after work, have a drink and decompress with friends. 

Uniform accepted, All Welcome.

See you there!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Directory of Boarding Schools 2026

Are you considering Boarding School for your child(ren)? Did you know that there is a directory that showcases all the Boarding Schools and Colleges that offer discounts and CEA funded places for HM Armed Forces Families?

You can find the Directory of Boarding Schools 2026 here.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Bingo in the Britbar, Wednesday 1st July 2026, Eyes Down 19:30

Bingo is back next week! Come along and try your luck with the numbers.

WHEN: Wednesday 1st July 2026, Bar Open 19:00, Eyes Down 19:30
WHERE: The Britbar

The team will be taking a break in August but will be back the first Wednesday of September for more crazy calls!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Federal Police Watch Scheme this Summer

Going away this Summer? Don't forget that the SHAPE Federal Police offer a Watch Scheme.

For the extra peace of mind whilst you are away, SHAPE Federal Police can drive past your property and check all is well.

Simply complete a Police Watch Form (on the board in the Community Corridor) and hand it in to Building 247 at least days 5 days before your departure.

Happy Summer Holidays.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

VIRTUAL CHAT HV and Virtual New Parents Group

SSAFA's Virtual New Parent Group Sessions are open to all military families living in remote areas as a way to connect with other parents in similar situations. Although there will be a health visitor present to answer any questions, the floor is open to talk about whatever you want - from sleep, feeding or just general parental frustrations with no judgment or anything.

Our online CHAT HV sessions are open to all military parents across all time zones. These informal sessions cover a different topic each month to help guide and support you through the different stages of your parenting journey. These are a great way for you to meet other families from around the world and make connections, especially when living in a host country that has different practices with regards to new mum groups etc.

If anyone wants anymore information or to register for an online session, please either speak to your Health Visitor or email us on UKStratCom-DMS-DPHC-NYG-SSAFA@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Top Tips Number Two for Keeping Cool in this Heat

TOP TIPS IN THE HEAT WITH YOUR HISO:

Further to my previous top tip at the end of last month regarding keeping cool overnight by using a frozen hot water bottle, here is my Top Tip number 2:

Keep your skincare, body creams, sun cream, after sun and a water spray in the fridge; this is the perfect way to cool down at any time during the day.

NB if you are a retinol/retinal user, keep these out of the fridge.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: BRITFete, Friday 26th June 2026 15:00-22:00

This Friday is BRITFete in the SHAPE Tent!

This promises to be a superb showcase of all things British. The weather is booked, the Bunting is prepped and the Morris Dancers are limbering up as we speak.

Come along and enjoy a spot of welly wanging, whiskey tasting, a glass of Pimms and a cream tea and this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

Hope to see you there!

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: After the Battle, a new video mapping installation at Domain of Waterloo until 31st December 2026

This year is the 211th Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo and to commemorate this a new video mapping experience has been introduced at the Domain of Waterloo.

This will bring the aftermath of the 1815 battle to life and shows how it heralded the beginning of progress, innovation and transformation throughout the 19th century. This show will continue to run until the end of the year.

WHEN: from now until 31st December 2026
WHERE: The Domain of the Battle of Waterloo
MORE INFORMATION: here

This weekend also sees the re-enactment of the Battle at the Waterloo Battlefield Estate which is a fantastic day out. Hougoumont Farm will be transformed into a military camp complete with Bivouacs, a civilian village and several demonstrations over the course of the weekend.

MORE INFORMATION: here

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Hidden Belgium

Fancy a bit of Hidden Belgium?

Then look no further. 

Why not check out the oldest cemetery in Belgium? Or the strangest building in Ghent? Or even get yourself a tour of the Antwerp Sewers? 

If you are interested in discovering these hidden gems and more, cast your eyes here.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE.

BELGIUM: Departure Packs for SHAPE and Brussels

Summer is always a big turnover.

If you are due to leave SHAPE or Brussels soon, do contact the HIVE for a departure pack on RC-Pers-HIVE-SHAPE-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk or pop into the community office at SHAPE.

There is also a whole lot of useful information here if you are relocating to the UK.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE