The 2024 edition of the Festival of Lights will be held in Lyon from December 5 to 8 and promises, once again, to attract crowds. This iconic event is expected to welcome more than 2 million visitors over four days.
The prefecture, aware of the context marked by a high terrorist threat and social movements, is increasing its vigilance. A significant reinforcement of law enforcement is planned with the establishment of 40 screening points at the entrance to the areas, with bag searches carried out by the 500 National Police agents mobilized. On the side of the 48 exits, there are 230 municipal police officers and private security agents.
Antoine Guérin, prefect responsible for defense and security, declared: “We have taken all possible measures to guarantee the safety of the population.”
The anti-drone DIPN, deminers, two dog teams and soldiers will also be present near the scene, in particular to secure the bridges and access to public transport. Technological means such as the installation of 10 mobile cameras, 11 speakers, 7 screens with the dissemination of practical information will be put in place.
On the emergency side, 120 firefighters will be present with the establishment of 14 first aid stations. Despite a declaration of demonstration this Thursday by the Rhône firefighters, on strike for two months, the prefecture confirmed that the available staff were sufficient to guarantee the safety of visitors, “they will be able to demonstrate responsibility towards the population”, adds the prefect .
SYTRAL and Keolis have also adapted the transport offer in order to streamline visitor flows. 600 transport agents and around a hundred reception agents will be mobilized for the event.
Certain restrictions and specific measures will apply during the event period: the main areas of the event (Presqu'île, Fourvière, Parc de la Tête d'Or, Parc Blandan, Bellecour) will be closed one hour before the start festivities at 6 p.m. (4:30 p.m. for Parc Blandan). The Parc de la Tête d'Or will only be accessible via the Porte Tête d'Or (and not via the Porte des Enfants du Rhône). Boulevard des Belges will be closed to traffic, but screens will display waiting times before entering the park. An animation, the Anookis will entertain visitors while waiting. Finally, the Vieux Lyon metro stop could be temporarily closed due to a faulty escalator.
To guarantee a peaceful Festival of Lights, certain instructions must be respected: vehicle circulation in the areas concerned, category 1 and 2 dogs, pyrotechnic objects and alcohol is prohibited in the area (just like wine sales hot).
Visitors are asked to limit their personal belongings (avoid bags) to facilitate security checks. The prefecture calls on everyone to demonstrate responsibility and good citizenship to ensure the smooth running of the event.
“We are counting on everyone's sense of responsibility to avoid risky behavior and facilitate the action of law enforcement,” concluded the prefect.
