Question 1

What is European Writers Salon?

Accepted Answer

European Writers Salon is a not-for-profit organisation that works across Europe. Our mission is 'Connecting Writers in Europe.' You can find out more about us and who we are at www.saloneurope.org.

Question 2

What is this event?

Accepted Answer

Our September salon is our main annual literary event. This year, it will take place  in the beautiful city of Brussels. If you come,  expect an informal, fun and friendly weekend of writing, creating, thinking, socialising and exploring Brussels with fellow writers.

Question 3

When is it?

Accepted Answer

The weekend runs from Friday 12 September to Sunday 14 September. The event will start at 6pm and finish at midday on Sunday. We also offer the option to attend on Saturday and Sunday only.

Question 4

Where will it be held?

Accepted Answer

Friday and Saturday will be held at the beautiful venue Full Circle where we hosted our event in September 2024. Sunday we will be out and about exploring Brussels.

Question 5

Who is it for?

Accepted Answer

The event is for writers at all stages of their careers, writing in any genre. All are welcome. Whether you're European, live in Europe, or just want to visit, this is the place for you.

We invite writers to both teach and learn. We will write to all participants inviting you to submit.

Question 6

Who will be there?

Accepted Answer

We hope that around 100-150 writers will join us over the weekend, including local writers. We anticipate that people will travel from all over Europe as well as local writers, and that many of us will be strangers to one another– at first!

Question 7

Is accommodation included?

Accepted Answer

No. Accommodation is not included. We will send out information about local hotels once people have booked. Prices in Brussels range from around 75 up to 200 euros per night depending on whether you choose Airbnb or a hotel. We will also organise a slack channel so people can discuss bookings.

Question 8

Where will I eat other meals/if I am not eating at the venue?

Accepted Answer

We will provide ideas of places to eat to suit a range of budgets. For Saturday night, we will provide the opportunity to join small groups of other attendees to book dinner or to book dinner at the venue.  Details to be sent nearer the time.

Question 9

Who can apply for a bursary place and how do I do it?

Accepted Answer

We have a small number of bursary places available. We will not ask people to submit evidence to justify why they are applying, therefore we please request that you only apply for one if you are unable to afford the full price. No one outside of our small team will know who has received a bursary.

Question 10

How do I apply for a bursary place?

Accepted Answer

Please just select the bursary ticket option when booking. We will not request any evidence to support this and will trust that writers will only apply if they cannot afford the ticket price. Doing so will ensure that bursary places are taken up by those who really need them.

Question 11

I would like to run a session/host a panel/teach yoga/read. Can I?

Accepted Answer

We invite participants to submit proposals to take part in the programme - leading, joining or convening sessions. We will send out information about how to submit proposals once you have signed up. We will use these to build a diverse and exciting program alongside invited speakers.

Question 12

If I don't know anyone, should I still come?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Please do. Nearer the event, we will set up ways for people to connect in advance and join up for meals,  etc. This will be a friendly and warm event. All are absolutely welcome.

Question 13

What is your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

We will give you a full refund (minus processing fees), if you cancel up to 30 days before the event. After that, we regret that we can only refund your place if we can re-sell it.

Question 14

What is your COVID policy?

Accepted Answer

EWS wants to ensure our events are as accessible as possible for all. We follow WHO guidelines and will therefore provide masks for those who wish to wear them. We encourage people to test in advance and avoid coming if they have any symptoms.

Question 15

I have dietary requirements, can you accommodate me?

Accepted Answer

We will write to everyone who has paid for meals to find out about any dietary requirements. Vegetarian, vegan and coeliac diets can all be accommodated. We will try our best to meet any other requirements where possible and if we can't we will let you know.

Question 16

What if I have additional needs?

Accepted Answer

We endeavour to make all of our events as accessible as possible. If you would like to discuss anything with us before booking, please email contact@saloneurope.org and we will do our utmost to meet your needs. Once people have booked we will send everyone a questionnaire to identify specific needs.

Question 17

I have additional physical access requirements. Can you meet them?

Accepted Answer

Not all of the building we are using is fully accessible. However, some rooms are and we are striving to make the event as inclusive as possible. Please be in touch with us if you have questions before booking.

Question 18

What food and drink does my ticket include?

Accepted Answer

Full Weekend and Bursary tickets include dinner and drinks on Friday night, and lunch on Saturday. All other food and drinks will be covered by attendees. For Sat/Sun Tickets there are two options  - including lunch on Saturday and not including lunch.

Question 19

What if I live in Brussels and only want to attend for some of the event?

Accepted Answer

If this is the case please email contact@saloneurope.org and we will let you know how and what you can join us. We would love to meet you! You are also welcome to sign up for the whole event, of course.

Question 20

I am introverted and/or shy. Is this event still for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes! This weekend is what you make it. We have built in downtime but you are welcome to dip in and out of the event as you choose. Many of us (even organisers) will approach it this way. We will send out a list of quiet places to write nearby, and we will make quiet space available in the venue.

Question 21

Why are you charging in pounds if this is a European event?

Accepted Answer

Although we are a European organisation, our social enterprise is constituted in the UK so we are charging in sterling.

Question 22

When will the full programme be available so I can book my sessions?

Accepted Answer

Once people have booked, we will invite you to submit proposals for sessions and panels. Once we have received these we will program the event and then write out to people to invite them to book sessions. We anticipate this will be in May.

Question 23

I have a question you haven't answered here. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Please get in touch contact@saloneurope.org and we will be very happy to help.

European Writers Salon Brussels 12-14 September 2025