Chas almost become a mantra. Every year at the same time, the organizer of the Royan classical music festival Un Violon sur le sable counts his money to make up the budget and, inevitably, there is always something that gets a little stuck.
This year, it’s the pompom. It is no longer a question of stress, for Philippe Tranchet, but of seasonal depression. A metaphor to express a very legitimate concern. The bad news is piling up and, even if all the festivals in France and Navarre are in the same boat, here it still smells a little more scorched than elsewhere. The fault of the Cognac crisis, among others.
We sense great gloom in the economic world and political instability does not help
Hennessy, the brand with the strong arm, a partner of the festival for more than thirty years, has seen better days and has announced that it is reducing its financial support “by half” this year. And as Jacques Chirac elegantly said, “the trouble always flies in squadrons”, another long-standing private partner, the outdoor hotel group Siblu, said it was putting an end to its commitment.
Support from the mayor
“We feel a great gloom in the economic world and political instability does not help,” notes Philippe Tranchet who had already given up on 60,000 euros from the Departmental Council with a subsidy halved while awaiting the position of the Regional Council. For the moment, the person concerned estimates a total loss of 200,000 euros.
If there is no question, today, of drawing a line under the festival still scheduled for Grande Conche beach next July, there is, on the other hand, an urgency to find new partners. And right now, it’s not under a horse’s hooves.
By knocking on the door of Royan town hall this Monday, December 16, the organizer of the Violin found an attentive ear. Mayor Patrick Marengo does not consider for a single second signing the death certificate of a festival which represents the major attraction of the summer in the region. The chosen one has no choice but to avoid the worst. It will not be, a priori, by putting your hand in your pocket, the castle coffers ringing hollow. “We have to convince new supporters. I am thinking in particular of the companies to which the municipality has entrusted major projects,” specifies the person concerned, hoping for a return of favor.
“Keep a balance”
Patrick Marengo therefore intends to play the luxury VRP to find partners at Le Violin. And why not, also, ask for a small extension from the Royan Atlantique Urban Community? “It’s a possibility, even if it already gives, with the tourist office, a ticket of 100,000 euros. » But in an exceptional situation…
For his part, Philippe Tranchet has already sorted out the programming by giving up certain names. “However, we must maintain a balance,” warns the person who rejects the idea of eliminating one concert evening out of the three planned. “It wouldn’t result in any savings,” he explains. As for charging entry to the festival, it’s impossible. “The entire site should be closed. Unthinkable! » We already know what the Violin organizer will ask Santa Claus…
37e edition of Un Violin sur le sable in Royan on July 19, 22 and 25, 2025, Grande Conche beach. Ticket office: billetterie.production114.com/violon/boutique-violon
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