Authentic Pyrenean banda since 1981
The Banda Lous Berretes is a festive musical group founded in 1981 in Aureilhan, near Tarbes, in the Hautes-Pyrénées. Its name pays homage to the old beret factory that existed in the town. Composed of nearly sixty musicians, it offers a repertoire of over 100 pieces mixing pasodobles, marches, jotas, fandangos, Latin and Mexican music, as well as tunes from around the world. Each year, the Banda organizes concerts and events in Aureilhan and the region, perpetuating the spirit of celebration and conviviality dear to the Pyrenees.
In 1981, five young musicians decided to liven up the streets of Aureilhan during Carnival. Trained in the municipal orchestra by Jack Le Bourgeois, they were invited by Pierre Gayat, head of the ASCA (Association Sportive et Culturelle d'Aureilhan), to accompany the majorettes on a trip to Alfaro in Spain. Upon their return, they officially founded the Banda Lous Berretes, named after the famous beret factory in Aureilhan.
Under the musical direction of Christian Carlon, who selects and writes the arrangements, the Banda draws its inspiration from Basque and Navarrese musical traditions, particularly from the Txaranga Los Incansables. The repertoire includes over 100 pieces: pasodobles, pasacalles, marches, dianes, jotas, fandangos, Latin and Mexican music, and about twenty national anthems.
Over the decades, the Banda Lous Berretes has gained renown beyond the Pyrenean borders. It has been invited to the Dubai Rugby Seven's, has undertaken two tours in the Pacific in New Caledonia, and participated in the Rugby World Cup France 2023. It regularly entertains Top 14 and Elite 2 basketball matches.
With its motto "Friendship, Good humor, Music at all hours", the Banda Lous Berretes embodies the festive spirit of the Pyrenees. Co-chaired by Séverine Vignasse and Michel Marmouget, it currently has nearly 60 musicians and participates in numerous local, national, and international festivals throughout the year.
45th anniversary concert of the Banda Lous Berretes in Aureilhan. An exceptional event to celebrate over four decades of Pyrenean festive music with nearly 60 musicians on stage.
In 2026, the Banda Lous Berretes celebrates its 45th anniversary with a grand concert in Aureilhan on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Since 1981, this iconic Pyrenean banda has been animating local and international festivals with its eclectic repertoire of over 100 pieces.
Aureilhan is a town bordering Tarbes, easily accessible via the A64.
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Centre culturel d'Aureilhan
Place François Mitterrand, 65800 Aureilhan