Villeneuve-sur-Lot Christmas Circus: behind the scenes of rehearsals for the big end-of-year holiday show

It's time for final adjustments, on all floors. In the parking lot of the Villeneuve exhibition center, the tone is already set. Red caravans, chalets, the Christmas atmosphere is perceptible long before passing through the gates of Fontanelles Park. “From the parking lot to the track, we want to transport the public into the magic of Christmas” smiles Romain Greveldinger. Hours of sleep are rare these days. He and his team have only been in the building on Avenue de Fumel for a week, due to the orientation fair. In no time, they had to transform the place into a temple of spectacle. We remain on the same bases as the first edition: a large track surrounded by four floodlight masts, lined with 850 seats in the stands specially set up for the occasion.

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2 hours 15 minutes of show with a live orchestra

The first difficulty in converting this exhibition center into a circus is that of plunging the building into darkness. Romain can count on his uncle, a former decorator for Dior, to dress the entire structure with long pieces of fabric. A long-term effort to make spectators feel like they are under a big top, like the most prestigious circuses. The most notable change compared to the first edition is the thunderous arrival of an orchestra above the track. “There are four of them, but they look like 10,” applauds the creator of the Villeneuvois Christmas circus. The musicians will provide musical accompaniment for all the numbers. “It takes more time, you have to get the little details right,” continues Romain. Rehearsals are long marathons, pushing the director and artists late into the night. The filming will continue until this Friday morning, a few hours before the grand opening evening – which is already sold out, like other dates. For latecomers, rest assured, there are still places left for certain slots.

“The public comes from all over Lot-et-Garonne and beyond”

In total, 26 performances are scheduled until December 15. “We sometimes do three a day,” laughs Romain. The impatience to show the show is felt. It must be said that, for this second edition, it brought together some of the best artists in the world, awarded at the biggest festivals. A Mexican clown will lead the dance, the common thread of this show, where Romain Greveldinger will be the “Monsieur Loyal”. King of dressage, he will bring some of his animals, like these five donkeys who obey him at the drop of a hat. Who said donkeys can't be guided? Animals will also be discussed with another equine specialist. “He is one of the best, he is nicknamed the man who whispers in the ears of horses” underlines “Monsieur Loyal”.

Comedy trampoline, showdown, “aerial” hula-hoop, the 2024 Christmas Circus will cover many specialties. One of the most impressive numbers, that of the Portuguese Nilton Goncalves. His “tools” hang from the ceiling of the exhibition center. He does the trapeze, but not like the others, since he can walk upside down. “It’s a new discipline,” says Romain, happy to be able to present such a number here. The public is not mistaken and comes from far and wide to see the production. “We have spectators who come from all over Lot-et-Garonne, and beyond. From Tarn-et-Garonne, and even from the Bordeaux region.” The boss of the circus knows that it will take several editions to establish the meeting. But the first trial gallop suggests a bright future for the end-of-year event. He also praises the complementarity with the Enchanted Bastide, which makes it possible to “keep” visitors in the Villeneuve city all day long. Now it’s time for the show!