Chinon en Fanfares

Chinon en Fanfares

Chinon en Fanfares is a popular and friendly festival held annually on the last Saturday of May in the historic center of Chinon, in Indre-et-Loire. Organized by the City of Chinon for over fifteen years, this free event invites five brass bands to take over the streets, squares, and quays of the royal city for a day of musical celebration.

A day of celebration in the streets of Chinon

From 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM, the brass bands parade through the picturesque streets of old Chinon, playing in the squares and at café terraces. The medieval streets, half-timbered facades, and the ramparts of the royal castle provide an exceptional backdrop for these festive and energetic ensembles. The public follows the brass bands from square to square, creating a unique popular festival atmosphere.

The springboard competition

The highlight of the day, the springboard competition, takes place from 7:30 PM at the Collégiale Saint-Mexme. The five brass bands compete before the public and a jury to win the title. This friendly competition, combining virtuosity and spectacle, is a key moment of the festival where the ensembles rival creativity and energy.

The guinguette on the banks of the Vienne

In parallel with the parades, a guinguette is set up on the quays of the Vienne, offering festival-goers a space for relaxation and refreshment with views of the castle and the hillsides. The guinguette is the ideal place to extend the celebration in a relaxed atmosphere, by the water.

An event rooted in Chinon's identity

Chinon en Fanfares has become an identity-defining event for the commune of Chinon, fitting into the city's festive calendar alongside the Medieval Days or Joan of Arc's Ride. The festival contributes to the animation of the city center and the tourist appeal of this city, a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the Loire Valley.

Call for applications

Each year, a call for applications is launched to brass bands from all over France. Interested ensembles can contact the events department of the town hall to submit their application. The festival selects five brass bands representing the diversity of styles and brass ensembles.