Baule d'Airs

Baule d'Airs: The Open-Air and Musical Fair of the Loire Valley

Since 2005, the Baule d'Airs festival has transformed the commune of Baule, a small village in Loiret located between Meung-sur-Loire and Beaugency, into a vast open-air stage dedicated to brass bands and street arts each year. Born from the tradition of harmony and brass band gatherings that enriched the cultural landscape of Loiret in the early 20th century, this festival aims to be a modern, friendly, and inclusive 'brass band fair'.

An Associative and Volunteer Adventure

The festival is driven by the association L'Embouchure, which relies on nearly 200 volunteers mobilized from the autumn to prepare each edition. Since its inception, Baule d'Airs has grown and structured itself while retaining its village spirit and human dimension. The festival promotes and develops the repertoire and image of brass bands, while broadening its programming to include street arts in all their diversity.

An Eclectic Program Between Brass Bands and Street Arts

Each edition features about ten brass bands and a dozen artistic companies, bringing together around 80 professional artists and 250 amateur musicians. The program oscillates between acoustic street music, brass bands, marching bands, contemporary circus, physical theater, puppetry, juggling, clowning, and dance. Performances take over the church square, L'Embouchure's big top, and several satellite spaces in the village, creating a festive and surprising journey.

Original Creations and International Guests

Baule d'Airs is distinguished by its original creations, particularly collaborations between the Société Musicale de Baule and guest artists. The festival regularly hosts international ensembles, from the techno brass band from Hamburg to Occitan carnival orchestras, and Brazilian sambas, offering a rich and surprising panorama of brass band music worldwide.

A Popular and Family Festival

The atmosphere at Baule d'Airs is resolutely festive and popular. The stage setup, centered around an accessible central square serving as a logistical hub with ticketing and catering, invites strolling and discovery. Free street performances coexist with concerts under the big top, in a good-natured atmosphere that appeals to families as well as lovers of music and live performance. With around 6,000 spectators each year, Baule d'Airs has become a must-attend event in the cultural landscape of Loiret and the Loire Valley.