“Some of our friends still think we just organize big parties, but now it’s starting to become a real job. We sometimes have to explain to them why we can no longer offer them their beers,” Emma laughs. At 25, she is the marketing manager for Collectif 52, a group of young people from Mont-sur-Lausanne (VD) who are currently working to set up a festival that none of them would have imagined at the launch of adventure three years ago.
From June 27 and 29, 2024, Mont’ain Open Air will host the Ivorian group Magic System, the electro artist NTO and the rappers Caballero & JeanJass. Big names, knowing that the members of the collective are all only in their twenties. “It’s clear that we had to convince them,” laughs the programmer, Jérémy, 23 years old. But they’ve never seen me, maybe they think I’m 45! And it’s probably because we’re young that we dare to go there with the nerve.”
It is also through their experience, with several refreshment bars, a traveling bus-bar and already several editions of the festival, that they have been able to obtain the trust of the artists. The team has proven itself to such an extent that its retro evenings called “MCM top” are popular among Lausanne clubs. “But it’s the D! who trusted us first, we remain faithful to him,” smiles the duo.
And will the peaceful commune of Mont be delighted to resonate to the frenzied rhythm of the Ivorian group on “C chô, ça brûlé”? The trustee, a big fan of Magic System, is in any case very happy, and does not hide her pride for these young people whom she has seen grow literally and figuratively. “But it’s true that we have to manage the balance between the excitement of a small town and the calm that many residents come to seek at the Mont,” adds Laurence Muller Achtari. For the neighbors, even earplugs are not enough. But well-framed, once a year, over a weekend at the beginning of summer, it seems acceptable to us. »
Vibiscum, the example not to follow
Do the young people of Mont have delusions of grandeur? “When we saw what was happening at the Vibiscum Festival, we took notes,” admits Emma. We don’t want the same thing to happen to us. That’s why we started small, we rely on volunteers, and for the moment, we’re barely scraping by.”
Originally free, then at a free price, Mont’ain is now paying. “You have to, with this year’s fees,” explains Jérémy. It is clear that we are taking a risk, but we have enough activities to bring in funds through several channels. Of course, we messed up sometimes, but that’s how you learn. And that pushes us to give our all. Our parents understand us and support us even if none of them have put money into the collective.”
