EVENT HIGHLIGHTS IN THE VALENCIENNES AREA
JANUARY
THE TANDEM FESTIVAL
Tandem… storytelling with a musical touch. This travelling festival allows storytellers, singers and puppet masters to interact with musicians onstage.
Organised by the Léo Lagrange club from Hergnies, Tandem travels through a number of districts and is intended to be as inclusive as possible. It is organised in partnership with the music schools and libraries network.
Further information : http://www.festivaltandem.fr
FEBRUARY
THE BRENNUS RACE
In Sebourg.
A foot race of 5 or 10 Km departing from Sebourg and passing through the Aunelle valley.
Further information: http://www.coursedebrennus.com
MARCH
GRAND PRIX CARPEAUX, an international classical dance competition
The third weekend in March.
Organised since 1980 by the "Renaissance" dance academy at the PHENIX national theatre in Valenciennes.
Further information: 03 27 22 59 69
FESTIVAL 2 CINEMA IN VALENCIENNES
A film festival organised by the Cinéclub Atmosphères association of Valenciennes. Includes fiction, documentaries, and a chance to meet professionals from cinema industry plus activities, etc.
Further information: http://www.festival2cinema.com
CND ANZIN DANCE COMPETITION
A regional dance competition at the Anzin municipal theatre organised by the Confédération Nationale de Danse (the "National Dance Federation" or CND). With its 900 member students and its 60 teachers in 2013, the CND Nord-Pas-de-Calais has enjoyed constant growth for several years now. Each year, the dynamism and commitment of its team of volunteers attracts an increasing number of schools from throughout the region.
Further information: http://www.cnd.info.fr
THE PROPERTY AND HOUSING SHOW
In Valenciennes.
Organised by the City of Valenciennes and Valenciennes Métropole, this show brings together a number of key players from the real estate sector who are on hand to provide help and advice for future home and property owners.
Further information: http://www.salon-immobilier-valenciennes.fr
THE A TRAVERS CHANTS FESTIVAL
The Youth and Cultural Centre of Saint-Saulve brings us one of the country’s oldest festivals devoted to songs in the French language.
Since it was founded in 1993, A Travers Chant has put together a programme of high quality, varied songs including poetic and/or political songs, rock and world music, etc.
Further information: http://www.mjc-athena.org
THE VAL’ANTIQUAIRE SHOW
In Valenciennes.
A show for antique dealers and the artistic trades organised by the Lions Club of Valenciennes Vallée de l’Escaut. Attended by more than 40 exhibitors, including both antique dealers and craftsmen proposing a wealth of antiques. Very popular with art lovers, this exhibition attracts more than 2000 visitors each year.
Further information:: http://www.lionsclub-valenciennesescaut.fr
OUAGADOUGOU MARKET
Organised by the Amitiés Burkina Faso association, this is one of the largest markets in the region devoted to African art. All of the proceeds are used for the construction of schools in Burkina Faso.
THE NORD DE RIRE FESTIVAL
A comedy festival organised by the town of Anzin in cooperation with Anzin Theatre and the Espace Culturel Barbara in Petite-Forêt. This festival brings together big names from the contemporary comedy scene.
Further information: http://www.ville-anzin.fr
SEMAINE UNIQUE, PASSIONS MULTIPLES
Organised by the Mystère 1547 association: Passion & Heritage. In 1547, Valenciennes, which was still under Spanish rule at that time, organised a huge performance focused on the life of Christ and the Passion. Over a period of more than 20 days, thousands of people attended and took part in the event. For the last eight years a team of eager volunteers has revived this event.
THE TENNIS OPEN
3 weeks of matches but also plenty to see and do for children. Organised by TSB Valenciennes.
Further information: http://www.tsbvalenciennes.com
THE FOULEES PRINTANIERES IN SAULTAIN
A 10 Km walk. A race of 1.5Km/ 5Km / 10 Km and 23Km.
Organised by the town hall and Valenciennes Métropole.
Further information: fps2013@saultain.fr
APRIL
NATIONAL DISABLED TOURISM DAYS
Activities and "sensory tours", etc., are proposed by the Valenciennes Métropole Tourism & Congress Bureau over the space of a weekend.
Further information: http://www.tourisme-handicaps.org
THE FOULEES VALENCIENNOISES
Each year, the "Foulées Valenciennoises" event attracts ever more participants and gains in stature. They were awarded the national label in 2012.
For the time being, the team of organisers are still perfecting a programme worthy of an event which seeks to be a leading "popular" festive fixture.
Created in 1980, the "foulées" event, (which is now back to normal after a pause caused by the construction work on the new tram system) has offered a route since 2011 which is far more urban and as flat as possible.
Further information: http:// www.lesfouleesvalenciennoises.com
THE EUROREGIONAL FORTIFIED TOWNS DAYS
Condé sur l’Escaut
Each year, on the last weekend in April, numerous free activities, attractions and tours are organised by the Tourist Office to promote and highlight the fortifications of the town of Condé-sur-l’Escaut.
Further information: http://www.espaces-fortifies.com
MAY
THE "TURBULENTES" FESTIVAL
The first weekend in May in Vieux-Condé
Les Turbulentes is THE place to be if you enjoy the street arts.
Created in 1999, this festival is designed and organised by Le Boulon. Each year, Les Turbulentes offers a very diverse line up with acts from all forms of the performing arts including street theatre, circus, dance, clowns, puppets, displays and performances. A popular event with a focus on creativity, which brings artists and local people together over the space of three days in this celebration of unusual art forms.
Further information: http://www.leboulon.fr
THE BLUES FESTIVAL
In Vicq.
A blues festival organised by the district of Vicq and Valenciennes Métropole. For passion, for music, for pleasure, for a chance to share, for the warmth of human contact and quite simply for all of these things put together, the Vicq Blues Festival is designed to provide intimate contact between all forms of blues music, enabling this living and vibrant musical form to assume its full meaning and potential.
Further information: http://www.vicqbluesfestival.com
THE EMBAR(O)QUEMENT IMMEDIAT FESTIVAL
Embar(o)quement Immédiat is a festival of baroque and religious music created in 2007 by the Harmonica Sacra Association.
An extensive programme of concerts, conferences, exhibitions, discovery features and shows designed for school groups and specific audiences.
Further information : http://www.embaroquement.com
THE SAINT-DRUON PILGRIMAGE IN SEBOURG
Trinity Sunday in Sebourg.
Mass and procession. Sebourg’s church was placed by the Archbishop of Cambrai under the patronage of Saint Martin (316-397), although the establishment also honours Saint Druon, the patron saint of shepherds (1118-1186). Built in the 12th century this is one of the few religious buildings from the early Gothic period to be found in the Valenciennes area.
THE “HAINAUT BELLES BRETELLES” FESTIVAL
The Hergnies festival gives pride of place to that wonderful instrument, the accordion!
The festival stops off in several districts throughout the area proposing concerts, evening tours, open air dances and workshops, etc.
Further information: http://www.bellesbretelles.com
JUNE
CARREFOUR INTERNATIONAL
This festival is organised by the Espace Pier Paolo Pasolini, a centre for creativity, research, contact and debate in Valenciennes.
The Carrefour International is a biennial traditional art festival. It provides an opportunity for inhabitants from the region to meet traditional artists (dancers, musicians, singers, etc.) from all around the world.
Several generations of artists come together on stage to surprise and astonish an audience keen to discover the wider world and its cultures.
Further information: http://www.espace-pasolini.fr
THE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Held in the towns and cultural venues of the Valenciennes area. Come along and discover a festival celebrating musical creativity through this series of artistic events held in different towns and villages. A unique event which is enjoyed simultaneously by millions of people worldwide.
THE SEBOURG INTERNATIONAL LACE FESTIVAL
In Sebourg.
This international event for lace makers is organised by the lace makers’ association of Sebourg. The public has an opportunity to admire the beauty and intricacy of the lace maker’s art including embroidery, tatting and net. Not forgetting of course the many traders selling attractive lace items.
Further information: http:www.dentellieres.com
THE BREAD FESTIVAL IN SEBOURG & ROMBIES
In Sebourg and Rombies, at the Moulin de la Vallée. If there is one foodstuff which forms the cornerstone of every civilisation’s diet thanks to its nutritional properties, it is bread. In times gone by the round loaves were cooked in wood-fired ovens and this is something we can experience once again thanks to the "Sebourg, Culture et Traditions" association during the Bread Festival.
THE ENVIRONMENT & GREEN TRADES SHOW
At the Stade du Hainaut.
Organised by the ENSIAME and Valenciennes Métropole. A sustained pace of activities and features for each event with several outstanding conferences attracting both nationally and internationally renowned speakers. The event programme is organised with a clear goal in mind: to raise awareness.
Further information: http://www.valenciennesenvironnement.com
JULY
LES MONTGOLFIADES
Organised by Valenciennes Dynamite. An inter-company show with partners from the Valenciennes area. Each of these companies has a balloon allocated to them, which they can use to treat a client with a flight. The show is open to and free of charge to all visitors.
Further information : http://www.valenciennes-dynamite.fr
AIR SHOW
At Valenciennes aerodrome in Prouvy on July 14.
An aircraft rally: The general public have a chance to discover the fascinating world of aviation. The Patrouille de France airborne aerobatic demonstration flight will be present.
Further information: http://meeting-aerien-valenciennes.e-monsite.com/agenda/meeting-aerien-valenciennes-2013.html
AUGUST
THE FRESNES SUR ESCAUT CARNIVAL
August 14 and 15.
Organised by the Carnaval de Fresnes association: bric-a-brac sale and carnival procession including the giant "Cambrinus".
Further information: 06 77 04 07 27
LES MAINGOVALES
In Maing, in the last weekend of August each year.
A mediaeval festival organised by the Les Maingovales association with a mediaeval craft market, entertainment and activities, and a costume procession.
THE BANDAS FESTIVAL (LES FOLIES DE BINBIN)
Organised by Val en Liesse. Musical features and carnival procession. This mediaeval folk festival brings the streets of Valenciennes to life in late August.
SEPTEMBRE
PELERINAGE SAINT CORDON
The second Sunday in September.
Organised by the Millénaire du Saint Cordon association. A 14 Km pilgrimage around the town, setting off from Place du Canada.
Further information: http://www.saint-cordon.com
CLEARANCE SALE BY VALENCIENNES’ SHOPS
Organised by the Valenciennes traders’ association. Over the space of two days, the local shops offer their products for sale at knockdown prices. Numerous exhibitors.
Further information : http://www.boutiquesdevalenciennes.fr
BRIC-A-BRAC SALE & CLEARANCE SALE in Valenciennes
After the St Cordon procession on the Sunday, on the Monday Valenciennes town centre is invaded by eager bargain hunters.
THE “COMEDIALES” FESTIVAL
At the Espace les Nymphéas in Aulnoy Lez Valenciennes
A theatre festival organised by the town (the next event is scheduled for 2016). No fewer than 10 different shows are proposed: street theatre, children's performances, classical comedy, opera, theatre performances in local dialects and light comedy. Educational performances to discover the theatre and opera are specially designed for school groups.
Further information: http://comediales.blogspot.fr
VAL FLORALES
At the Vauban sports centre in Valenciennes, organised by the Lions Club of Valenciennes Centre. Experienced botanists, flower and garden lovers but also those with a simple curiosity for all things botanical can come along and discover around 100 exhibitors proposing a huge choice of flowers, plants, bulbs and other plants and shrubs in addition to an exhibition of local products.
Further information: http://www.valflorales.com
OCTOBER
TRAVELLING PUPPET SHOW (VALENCIENNES AREA)
The Festival Itinérant de Marionnettes (the FIM or "travelling puppet show") has been organised by the Zapoï association since 2009. The FIM offers a wealth of performances, workshops, exhibitions and training, all designed with the aim of improving contact and dialogue. This is a favourite meeting place for puppet artists and the general public.
OPEN DAYS IN ARTISTS’ WORKSHOPS AND STUDIOS THROUGHOUT THE NORD PAS DE CALAIS REGION
The Départements (counties) of the Nord, the Pas-de-Calais and the Province of Western Flanders (the Bruges, Courtrai, Ghent and Ypres region) are organising "artists’ workshop open days". In these three areas, amateur and professional artists will be opening their workshops free charge to the general public working with visual artists’ associations, community galleries and art schools. Sculptors, painters, photographers and multimedia designers among others will be inviting art lovers to come along and discover their (occasionally unusual) works, studios and workshops.
Further information : http://www.poooa.lenord.fr
THE STAMP FESTIVAL IN VALENCIENNES
Organised by Valenciennes’ stamp club. The origins of the stamp club (the Club Philatélique du Valenciennois) date back to 1893 when a handful of enlightened amateurs founded the "Société de Timbrologie de Valenciennes".
Today, this club has no fewer than 300 members with a passion for stamp collecting, postal history and postcard collecting. Very active in the Valenciennes area, the club takes part in numerous cultural events. Among other things, each year the C.P.V organises the "Fête du Timbre" (Stamp Festival). During this event, a stamp-related souvenir is issued by the club, in cooperation with La Poste (the French Post Office).
Further information : http://www.clubcpdv.fr
MOIS DES SAVEURS
A real treat for food lovers! Grand Hainaut Chamber of Commerce & Industry is launching Le Mois des Saveurs (Flavour Month). A complete month of mouth-watering treats where you’ll discover many ways to enjoy local products and produce.
Further information: http://www.grandhainaut.cci.fr
NOVEMBER
THE PETITE FORET FESTIVAL
In Petite Forêt.
This festival is focused on the performing arts for a young audience, including singing, circus, the theatre, and much more.
A great programme of family-oriented events!
It is organised by the Association Communautaire pour la Promotion et le Développement Culturel de la Jeunesse (association for the promotion and cultural development of young people).
Further information: http://www.petite-foret.fr
THE CHOCOLATE SHOW IN VALENCIENNES
At the Stade du Hainaut
An exhibition organised by the Pâtissiers du Hainaut confectioners’ association every 3 years, with demonstrations, tasting sessions, conferences, a fashion and chocolate show!
Further information: http://www.lespatissiersduhainaut.com
THE NEXT FESTIVAL
Next is an international art festival in the new Eurométropole of Lille-Kortrijk-Tournai and Valenciennes. Five cross-border cultural organisations bring us a bold, international performing arts programme (theatre, dance, performances, etc.).
The festival is organised by the Espace Pasolini in Valenciennes, and its French and Belgian partners.
Further information: http://www.nextfestival.eu
DECEMBER
THE ARTISANALES
Valenciennes’ civic hall hosts the artists’ and craftsmen’s show. Discover 25 craftsmen and artists involved in design and the restauration of heritage sites in a variety of materials, from decorative items to clothing accessories.
Further information : http://www.lesartisanales.com
SAULTAIN S’ILLUMINE
Each year, Saultain has a tried and trusted formula for this event, which has become something of a tradition here. The fireworks at each event are accompanied by an offbeat entertainment feature of some form. Saultain brings us a travelling show combining street theatre troupes, stilt walkers and pyrotechnicians.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS AND ACTIVITIES
In the towns and villages throughout the region.
