Canal en Scène

Canal en Scène: Blain's Unmissable Summer Event

For over 30 years, the Canal en Scène festival has enlivened the town of Blain, in Loire-Atlantique, at the start of summer. Organized by the Artnonyme association, this popular and free event brings together young and old for live performances, concerts, and participatory activities in the remarkable setting of the prairie du château de la Groulais.

A Story of Volunteering and Passion

Created in 1992, Canal en Scène was born from the desire of a group of enthusiasts to offer a cultural event accessible to all in the north of Loire-Atlantique. The Artnonyme association, the driving force behind the festival, unites dozens of volunteers each year who work on programming, logistics, and welcoming the public. In 2022, the festival celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special edition featuring concerts, dance performances, and participatory workshops.

A Multidisciplinary and Family-Friendly Program

Canal en Scène stands out for the diversity of its programming. Each edition offers a mix of:

• Concerts: rock, pop, ska, punk brass band, world music
• Street theater and walkabout performances
• Circus: acrobatics, aerial arts, performances
• Dance: contemporary companies and African dance workshops
• Young audience shows: musical improvisation theater, magic, puppets
• Participatory workshops: percussion, linocut, group games, gratiferia

The festival hosts both emerging artists and established acts, with a particular focus on discovery and sharing. Among the artists who have marked recent editions: Mad Foxes, Monty Picon, Miss Machine, Compagnie Flamma, Compagnie du Trépied, Les Tisseuses d'Étoile, One Rusty Band, Milk TV, and After Geography.

An Exceptional Setting: The Groulais Castle

The festival takes place on the prairie du château de la Groulais, a remarkable heritage site in Blain. This medieval castle, a listed historic monument, offers a unique setting for open-air performances. The public enjoys a vast green space, ideal for families, with catering and refreshment areas run by the association's volunteers.

A Free and Friendly Event

True to its values of accessibility and sharing, Canal en Scène is an entirely free festival. Entry is free from the opening of the site in the early afternoon, and festivities continue late into the night. This free access, made possible by the work of volunteers and the support of local partners, makes Canal en Scène a truly popular event, open to all without distinction.