Kokorico: Nightclub with Unmatched Light Shows in Zomergem
Our final stop on the first day of our second trip was none other than Kokorico in Zomergem, a name that holds legendary status in the Belgian nightlife scene. Known for its extraordinary light installations, Kokorico has earned the nickname “Little Zillion” due to its high-tech lighting and immersive atmosphere. The lighting setup was created by Techno-Construct, the same company that designed lighting for clubs like Zillion, Versuz, and Webside. In fact, the owner of Techno-Construct is also the owner of Kokorico, which explains why the club is packed with technical wonders and boasts the most impressive light show in Belgium.
Before our visit, we tried multiple times to get in touch with the club’s owner to arrange a private tour for photos, but we hadn’t received a response. Nevertheless, we decided to take a chance and arrived at the club early on a Saturday evening, hoping to catch someone before they officially opened. The club was indeed preparing for the night ahead, and a staff member graciously led us inside to meet with the manager, a friendly woman who welcomed us warmly. After explaining our goal to capture the legendary Kokorico lights on camera, she surprised us by offering to have the light jockey power up the main hall for our photo session.
We were thrilled with this unexpected opportunity and immediately got to work, photographing Kokorico’s legendary light installations. The “Booty” room, which was already open for the evening, was our first stop. It featured dazzling lights and set the stage for what would be an unforgettable shoot. Soon after, the light jockey finished setting up in the main hall, allowing us a rare chance to capture one of the most impressive light displays we’ve ever seen.
Kokorico’s main hall houses a massive light installation known as “the Spider,” a complex setup with eight arms, each equipped with truss constructions that can rotate 360 degrees. The arms can move up and down, while the center of the structure can be raised and lowered as well, creating a dynamic and immersive light show. Kokorico is also equipped with unique features like aquarium tanks hanging from the ceiling, where dancers perform surrounded by bubbles created by pressurized air.
In addition to the Spider, Kokorico’s main hall includes a scanner wall and a fan wall that can be raised and lowered to create stunning effects. Above the stage, there’s a massive video screen, adding to the immersive experience. Every element in Kokorico has been carefully designed to impress, from the illuminated bars to the leather-clad walls of the coat check area.
The meticulous care put into maintaining the light installations was evident. Unlike many clubs where lights gather dust, Kokorico’s setup looked spotless. In the ceiling corners, we noticed trap doors designed to lower small stages with dancers, adding an extra layer of excitement. The attention to detail in Kokorico is unparalleled, making it a top destination for anyone passionate about nightlife.
Kokorico’s offerings don’t stop at the main hall. There’s also Club 25, a trendy room with groove and electro music, aimed at a more mature audience. This space offers a stylish escape within the club, catering to diverse tastes and ensuring everyone has a unique experience at Kokorico.
Our tour concluded with a chat with the owner, who shared exciting plans for the future. He recently acquired “The Lord” in Schepdaal, which he plans to renovate and reopen as a nightclub. The Kokorico main hall will also be updated once the new club is up and running, further enhancing the legacy of Kokorico as a leader in the Belgian club scene.
One of the most eye-catching features of Kokorico is the real airplane mounted on the front of the building. It’s an actual Vickers Viscount that once served as a cargo plane and traveled the world before landing its final role as a symbol of Kokorico. With permission from the province, the plane was hoisted into place with the help of spectators, who even pulled ropes to steady it as a crane lifted it onto the roof. For aviation fans, the history of this plane can be tracked online by searching for registration “G-AZNA.”
With future renovations and new projects on the horizon, Kokorico continues to evolve, setting the standard for innovation in Belgian nightlife. To experience this incredible venue and its jaw-dropping light show, head to the Grote Baan in Zomergem. Kokorico can be found online at www.kokorico.be or on Facebook.