Celebrating Summer at the Pier

Stad Blankenberge

TL;DR
We transformed the beach into a buzzing event village, combining creativity with strategic branding.

In short

Following an intensive strategic trajectory to rebrand Blankenberge, we partnered with the city to launch a fresh summer concept: ‘Zomer aan de Pier’ (Summer at the Pier). From naming to branding and communication strategy, we crafted a campaign designed to reshape the city’s image as a welcoming destination. The Belgium Pier, a unique landmark on the European mainland, became the centerpiece of a summer-long celebration.

The challenge

Blankenberge needed to transform its perception. The challenge was to craft a campaign that balanced local charm with broad appeal, attracting both residents and visitors. ‘Summer at the Pier’ aimed to emphasize the city’s unique assets while drawing attention away from existing stereotypes.

The insight

By focusing on the Belgium Pier as a symbol of Blankenberge’s heritage and potential, we created a campaign that resonated beyond the city’s borders. The decision to exclude the city’s name in the branding helped appeal to a more diverse audience, breaking down preconceptions and inviting new visitors to discover Blankenberge.

The outcome

‘Summer at the Pier’ put Blankenberge’s new image on the map. Centered around the iconic Belgium Pier, the campaign brought energy and activity to the beachside event village. A mix of football screenings, music, and cinema drew a diverse audience of locals and tourists alike. The branding was visible across DOOH throughout the city, in major train stations and on digital platforms, amplifying its reach throughout Flanders. 

In numbers

2 million+
impressions in (D)OOH
340k+
BVOD views
7 million+
online impressions

In detail

During the summer of 2024, the beach next to the Belgium Pier was transformed into a bustling event village. From football screenings and MNM Start to DJ to the Mardi Gras Festival and Radio 2’s Zomerhit, the city’s greatest assets were paired with a diverse lineup of events.

An important step in this project was selling the concept to the city council, and we played a key role in gaining their approval. By creating a compelling pitch and clear visuals, we ensured alignment across all stakeholders.

Supermachine delivered the campaign’s branding and identity, designing a logo that nodded to the city’s visual style and the iconic Belgium Pier. The concept, executed with inclusivity in mind, aimed to profile Blankenberge as a destination that welcomes both locals and tourists, blending its maritime heritage with a fresh, modern appeal.

The campaign was more than just an event promotion, it strategically used “Summer at the Pier” to attract people to Blankenberge and surprise them with the city’s charm. By showcasing the unique setting of the Belgium Pier and surrounding beach, the event helped to elevate the city’s image and create lasting positive associations.

The campaign’s impact was amplified through DOOH placements in major Flemish train stations, with nearly 2 million gross contacts. Animations extended the campaign’s reach through DPG Media channels such as HLN, VTM GO, and Streamz Basic, ensuring visibility across digital platforms.

The ATL campaign was supported by a targeted digital strategy, which included display ads, social media campaigns, and SEA. These efforts culminated in over 7 million impressions and a sold-out VIP section, contributing to a strengthened image of Blankenberge as a vibrant coastal destination.

With “Zomer aan de Pier”, Blankenberge proved itself as a destination to celebrate, setting the stage for its broader rebranding as a city where everyone feels at home… at the Pier.

Inspired by our work? Collaborate with us to bring your vision to life: hello@supermachine.be.

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