Since Sunday, June 30, the port of La Creusille has been closed to the public during the day. Preparations for the Guinguette festival have transformed the site into a major construction site. We can still hear the technicians adjusting drums and guitars for the concerts taking place from Tuesday, July 2 to Saturday, July 6.
For 21 years, the City of Blois has been organizing this week of concerts on the waterfront. For the 19e year, it is the Maison de Bégon which is responsible for setting up and ensuring the smooth running of the event. “What the public and the groups really like is the Loireexplains Loredana Méchin, director of the association. We have already organized concerts at the Jardins de l’évêché but it was too small. Here, the place is suitable, and it feels good to be outside.”
“Some people take vacations to come and help”
Behind this festival, there are no fewer than 143 volunteers who work alongside the employees of the Maison de Bégon to prepare each evening. Every day, there are around sixty of them on site to take care of the bar, catering, preparing meals and welcoming the artists.
“Some people take vacations to come and help, and not just for the concertsspecifies Loredana Méchin. The social values of the structure are also displayed, with an educational project for young people from the northern districts. In summary : “It’s a wonderful human adventure.”
An observation shared by regular volunteers like Daniel. For twelve years, this retired butcher has been in charge of cooking for his colleagues: “It’s a meeting between several generations, there’s a good atmosphere because we all know each other here.” “It’s like a big family”adds Valérie, the bar’s manager and volunteer for a dozen years.
Every day, around sixty volunteers work on the site.
© (Photo NR, Anna Chabaud)
30,000 spectators expected this week
“The days are long but we quickly forget the fatigue”emphasizes Anne, who has taken her vacation every year for six years to be alongside the volunteers. “I meet people I only see once a year, it’s a change of scenery. And the setting is great, it’s even better than camping!”
A trainer in the medical-social sector, Seb also took a week off for this meeting “with people from all walks of life”. Beyond “magical alchemy” Among volunteers, he does not forget the social interest of the festival: “We are participating in an action that allows the Maison de Bégon to raise funds for future activities.”
Every year, nearly 30,000 people attend the concerts. The Blois group Flowers of Tijuana opens the show, with a performance in tribute to the Mexican musician Carlos Santana.
Anna Chabaud
