For several days, social networks have relayed the big doubts that accompany the holding of the classical music festival Un Violon sur le sable.
Its creator Philippe Tranchet does not hesitate to speak of “exhaustion” when he talks about the 36th edition which was to be held from July 22 to 30 but which is called into question.
An exhaustion that he had not anticipated since the former prefect of Charente-Maritime, Nicolas Basselier had assured him, as recently as June 2023, that the festival was not called into question.
Philippe Tranchet had anticipated, like all the organizers of summer festivals, that the police would be monopolized at the Paris Olympics.
“But with the prefect’s response, I was confident,” summarizes Philippe Tranchet.
And as the Violin prepares a year in advance, I have not postponed the dates.
»
Because building programming like that of the Violin is precision lace.
Convening on the beach of Royan, a symphony orchestra composed largely of musicians from the Paris Opera and internationally renowned soloists with agendas made of hardened steel, that cannot be changed like that.
This is the small miracle that the Production 114 company has achieved for 36 years.
Read alsoOJ Paris 2024: “reassured” festivals, but Lollapalooza and Rock en Seine remain on hold
But at the start of the year, a meeting with the new prefect of Charente-Maritime, Brice Blondel and the mayor of Royan, Patrick Marengo called into question the holding of the festival.
For the councilor of Royan, a former army general, security comes first.
“When we bring together 40,000 people on a beach, we need optimal security conditions,” reacts the mayor of Royan.
Every year, there are 100 military, police, firefighters and private individuals present at the Violin.
A lot of it will be at the Olympics, I'm walking on a tightrope.
»
A response on February 8
There is great emotion in the community of festival faithful since Philippe Tranchet shared his feelings on social networks.
So much so that Christophe Plassard, the deputy for the fifth constituency of Charente-Maritime (Horizons) and member of the municipal opposition, decided to activate his network to allow the festival to take place.
“Certainly, there will be no soldiers or CRS in Royan but there will be police and normally we should not be deprived of them,” announces the MP.
If the prefecture gives us the green light, I will personally ensure with the Ministry of the Interior that the police forces are present in Royan.
And then, given the enthusiasm this festival arouses, there will be volunteers, a human presence who can remedy certain things.
»
A new meeting will take place with the prefecture on Friday February 8.
A key date which should either confirm the event will take place, or definitively bury the hopes of festival-goers.
“In the event of cancellation, there will be financial repercussions,” warns the organizer.
We are four employees who work all year round, not to mention the deposits already paid.
» Christophe Plassard says he is "confident", Patrick Marengo announces that he "will comply with prefectural decisions but if the festival is canceled, the City will take its responsibilities so as not to let Production 114 down financially".
Everyone should see things more clearly in a few days.
The anxieties linked to the weather will remain, but that's routine...
https://www.violonsurlesable.com/