Fete de la Musique

In France the time of the Summer Solstice is celebrated with a "Fete de la Musique" in most towns and villages. The actual events differ. One year we went to an early evening concert in the town square where local performers such as students at the local school and the town band performed while families brought picnic tea or purchased sausages and drinks. Another year we were in a slightly larger town, St John de Losne, where various groups performed near cafes and restaurants. Some seemed to be professional, others definitely amateur. This year we were in the City of Nevers so the celebration was on a larger scale.

One of the many different bands
Nevers has about 40,000 people, is the capital of the Burgundy Department of Nievre and has a thriving cultural life, including a Conservatorium of Music. The Fete was spread over the whole weekend with events from Saturday morning on. All the streets in the centre of town were closed to cars on Saturday night and on Sunday afternoon until early Monday morning. There were over forty events, all free, in the streets, parks, squares, Churches and cafes.

Nevers Cathedral for the Organ Concert
It seemed that all the cafes, restaurants and brassieres were open that night, spreading their tables our into the closed- off streets and offering special menus to tempt the hundreds of people wandering around the lively streets. We chose an excellent three course meal for less than 20 euros, very good value for a Saturday night out.
Fortunately the weather was fine and mild so on Saturday night when we went to town families were drawn towards the strains of music they favoured. Bedtime seemed to be pushed well back that night even for the little ones.

The streets were all decorated
The offerings ranged from dance, rock, hip hop, country dance, choral music, orchestral performances and organ recitals. We wandered back to the boat quite late to find a Celtic music group performing in the cafe opposite.They included Waltzing Matilda in their repertoire, a bit of a puzzle, but it was a very pleasant finish to our night of music.  

 Chapelle Ste Marie- another venue

Best Regards,

Penny and David

Knitting is the theme in Nevers this summer. So there are giant knitting needles and wool everywhere.