Bernard Dimey Festival
French song and poetry festival in Nogent
About Dimey Festival
Bernard Dimey Festival: French chanson and poetry in the spotlight
Every year in May, the town of Nogent in Haute-Marne pays tribute to its most illustrious son, the poet and songwriter Bernard Dimey (1931-1981), through a festival entirely dedicated to French chanson and Francophone poetry. Created in 2001 on the initiative of the Association Bernard Dimey and its founding president Annie Roquis-Millet, the festival was born to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the poet's death and perpetuate the memory of his prolific work.
Bernard Dimey, poet of Nogent
Born on July 16, 1931, in Nogent-en-Bassigny (now Nogent), Bernard Dimey was an exceptional French poet, lyricist, and screenwriter. He is known for iconic songs such as "Syracuse", "Mémère", and "Mon truc en plumes", performed by the greatest names in French chanson. His poetic work, rich and sensitive, continues to inspire many contemporary artists.
A rich and eclectic program
The Bernard Dimey Festival offers a varied program that highlights songwriter French chanson, poetry, and humor. For four to five days, the Centre Culturel Robert-Henry hosts concerts in the main hall and more intimate recitals in the Benedetti room, reserved for association members. The program mixes renowned artists and discoveries, offering a vibrant panorama of contemporary Francophone creation.
The Enfanstival: a youth program
The festival traditionally opens with the Enfanstival, a day dedicated to young audiences with concerts in schools in Nogent and the surrounding area. This initiative aims to introduce younger generations to French chanson and poetry, continuing the spirit of transmission dear to Bernard Dimey.
The third half
Every evening, after the official concerts, the festival offers its famous "third half", a musical and friendly moment where amateurs and professionals gather on stage to extend the celebration. This open stage has become an essential tradition of the festival, embodying the spirit of sharing and spontaneity that characterizes the event.
A festival rooted in its territory
Beyond the shows, the Bernard Dimey Festival offers exhibitions, book and record stalls, guided tours of Nogent, and meetings with artists. Concerts are also organized in retirement homes in neighboring towns (Bourmont, Montigny), demonstrating the festival's commitment to radiating throughout the Haute-Marne region and making culture accessible to all.
An unmissable event for French chanson
In over twenty editions, the Bernard Dimey Festival has established itself as a major event for lovers of French chanson and poetry. The quality of its programming, the dedication of its volunteers, and the warm atmosphere make it a unique event in the cultural landscape of the Grand Est region and beyond.
Dimey Festival — edition 2026
The 25th edition of the Bernard Dimey Festival was held from May 5 to 9, 2026, in Nogent (Haute-Marne), at the Robert-Henry Cultural Center. The Enfanstival opened the festival on Tuesday, May 5, with the show Barbu (Julien Barbu + Little Barbu) performed for schools, bringing together 833 schoolchildren — a record. The inauguration evening on Wednesday, May 6, welcomed Yves Jamait in a solo guitar-voice performance in front of 550 spectators (sold-out concert). The program brought together Jean Guidoni, Romain Didier, Caroline Fédi, Nicolas Bacchus, Emma la clown, Pauline Roth, Laurent Madiot, Chloé Bosc, Vaslo, Thérèse, Raynald Flory, Céline and Vincent Bardin, Frédéric Bobin, Laurent Berger, and Jérémie Bossone. A common thread was provided by Sébastien Guerrier and François Fabre ('On vient chez vous'). More than 1,200 visitors in total.
25th Edition — A Successful Anniversary
For its 25th anniversary, the Bernard Dimey Festival confirmed its roots in Haute-Marne and its influence far beyond: president Sophie Lecornet reported visitors from Brittany, Montpellier, La Rochelle, and even Switzerland. The assessment is positive across all three criteria (attendance, artist and audience satisfaction, financial balance).
A Sold-Out Opening Night
On Wednesday, May 6, at 8:30 PM, Yves Jamait inaugurated the edition with a solo guitar-voice performance in front of a packed Grand Hall (550 spectators), revisiting his repertoire and that of his peers (notably Maxime Le Forestier). The official inauguration, at 5 PM in the Benedetti space, brought together the municipality, local historian Philippe Savouret, and Dimey's biographer Francis Couvreux, in a deliberately informal spirit dear to the author of « Syracuse ».
The Enfanstival: A Record
The Enfanstival, 6th edition, welcomed 833 schoolchildren starting Tuesday, May 5, with the show Barbu by Julien Barbu and Little Barbu — a record number that confirms the festival's roots in the local educational fabric.
Four Evenings, Two Halls
From May 6 to 9, concerts were divided between the Grand Hall (evening concerts, 8:30 PM) and the Benedetti Space (afternoon recitals at 3 PM and 5 PM). Among the main acts, we note Romain Didier accompanied by virtuoso guitarist Thierry Garcia (Thursday), Chloé Bosc in her show Là-bas si j'y suis and the duo Emma la clown / Nathalie Miravette in homage to Anne Sylvestre (Friday), and the collective creation On a tout mélangé bringing together Laurent Berger, Frédéric Bobin, Jérémie Bossone, and Vaslo (Saturday). The open stage « On vient chez vous », hosted every evening from 10:30 PM by Sébastien Guerrier and François Fabre, served as the 'third half'.
Heading for 2027
The next edition is already announced for May 5 to 8, 2027, with the Enfanstival on May 4. The association is recruiting new volunteers and working on a « simpler and more efficient » ticketing system.
Programme Dimey Festival 2026
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 — Enfanstival (6th Edition)
- 10 AM & 2:30 PM — Barbu (Julien Barbu + Little Barbu) · Grand Hall · School shows · Mischievous children's song blending poetry and humor
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 — Inauguration
- 5 PM — Inauguration and Friendly Drink · Benedetti Space · Free, offered by the municipality
- 8:30 PM — Yves Jamait · Grand Hall · Solo guitar-voice · Personal repertoire and covers (notably Maxime Le Forestier) — sold-out concert (550 spectators)
Thursday, May 7, 2026
- 3 PM — Caroline Fédi · Benedetti Space · Singer-accordionist revisiting French classics
- 5 PM — Nicolas Bacchus — Contrepieds · Benedetti Space · Guitar + cello (Hélène Billard)
- 8:30 PM — Romain Didier · Grand Hall · Piano-vocals + guitar-backing vocals (Thierry Garcia) · Show Souviens-moi with unreleased excerpts from La buée des miroirs
Friday, May 8, 2026
- 3 PM — Pauline Roth — Au cœur de nous · Benedetti Space · Guitar + piano (Léna Migoya)
- 5 PM — Laurent Madiot · Benedetti Space · Album Comme par hasard, guitar and varied accompaniment
- 8:30 PM — Chloé Bosc — Là-bas si j'y suis · Grand Hall · Solo guitar, world styles
- 9:30 PM — Emma la clown & Nathalie Miravette · Grand Hall · Burlesque duo in homage to Anne Sylvestre
Saturday, May 9, 2026
- 9 AM — Guided Tour 'In Dimey's Footsteps' by Philippe Savouret · Free, 30 places, registration at 06 87 85 02 25
- 3 PM — Thérèse · Benedetti Space · Solo singer-songwriter
- 5 PM — Céline Bardin, Vincent Bardin & Raynald Flory · Festival Bar · Special piano creation
- 8:30 PM — Laurent Berger, Frédéric Bobin, Jérémie Bossone & Vaslo — On a tout mélangé · Grand Hall · 4 intertwined repertoires
Every Evening — from 10:30 PM
- 'On Vient Chez Vous' · Benedetti Space · Free entry · Open stage hosted by Sébastien Guerrier & François Fabre (registrations: Sophie 06 26 73 73 86)
Highlights Dimey Festival 2026
- 25th anniversary edition (May 5 to 9, 2026, in Nogent, Haute-Marne)
- Yves Jamait solo performance for the opening (sold-out concert, 550 spectators)
- Romain Didier, Chloé Bosc, Emma la clown & Nathalie Miravette in homage to Anne Sylvestre
- More than 1,200 visitors in total — audience from all over France and Switzerland
- Enfanstival: 833 schoolchildren welcomed, a record number
- The famous 'third half' with 'On vient chez vous' by Sébastien Guerrier and François Fabre, every evening at 10:30 PM
Prices Dimey Festival 2026
Practical information — Dimey Festival
Festival Access
By car: Nogent is located on the D674, approximately 30 minutes from Chaumont and 45 minutes from Langres. Free parking is available near the Robert-Henry Cultural Center.
By train: The nearest train station is Chaumont (TGV and TER), approximately 30 km away. Carpooling or shuttles may be organized during the festival period.
Festival Venues
The festival takes place at the Robert-Henry Sports and Cultural Center, rue de la Piscine in Nogent (52800). The Grande salle hosts evening concerts (8:30 PM), while the Espace Benedetti offers more intimate afternoon recitals (3 PM and 5 PM), as well as the open mic « On vient chez vous » every evening from 10:30 PM. The guided tour « Dans les pas de Dimey » is offered on Saturday morning (9 AM, free, registration at 06 87 85 02 25).
Ticketing and Prices
Tickets are available on the HelloAsso platform or by check addressed to Association Bernard Dimey, 2 rue des Écoles, 52800 Nogent. Passes and tickets can be collected at the festival reception or at the Robert-Henry Cultural Center (from April 22, 2 PM-5 PM).
- Full festival pass: €125 (€115 members) — reduced price €65 (€60 members)
- 4-evening pass: €75 (€65 members) — reduced price €40 (€35 members)
- Afternoon shows (3 PM / 5 PM): €15 (€8 reduced price)
- Evening shows (8:30 PM): €22 (€11 reduced price)
- Reduced price: job seekers, students, under 18. Free for under 15s.
- Only the full pass grants reserved seats in the Grande salle.
Accommodation
Nogent and its surroundings offer several accommodation options: hotels, gîtes, bed and breakfasts, and campsites. It is recommended to book in advance during the festival period.
Contact
Association Bernard Dimey
2 rue des Écoles, BP 37 — 52800 Nogent
Phone: 06 40 87 34 65 / 06 30 26 75 62
Email: [email protected]
For more information and the full program, visit the official festival website.
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Vous avez repéré une erreur ou une information manquante ?
Aidez-nous à garder cette fiche à jour. Toute proposition est relue par notre équipe avant publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Where does it take place — Dimey Festival
Centre Sportif et Culturel Robert-Henry
Rue de la Piscine — Centre Culturel Robert-Henry, 52800 Nogent, 52800 Nogent