Elektricity

ℹ️ Festival discontinued in 2015. Elektricity is no longer held. After 13 editions from 2003 to 2015, the festival gave way in 2017 to a new event in Reims, La Magnifique Society (itself discontinued after 2023). This page traces the history of Elektricity and remains available as an archive.

Pioneer of Electro in Reims (2003-2015)

Created in 2003 by artist Yuksek, Elektricity was born from the desire to offer an innovative urban festival dedicated to electronic music in Reims. Supported by La Cartonnerie, a contemporary music venue, and Césaré, a national centre for musical creation, in partnership with Le Manège, a national theatre in Reims, the festival had established itself as a major event on the electronic scene in France. Its programming, resolutely focused on research and discovery, explored all facets of electronic creation: techno, house, ambient, experimental, IDM and audiovisual performances.

The City as a Playground

Elektricity distinguished itself by its urban roots, investing several emblematic venues in Reims to create an immersive experience. La Cartonnerie hosted clubbing nights and concerts, while the Forecourt of Notre-Dame Cathedral transformed into a giant dance floor for open-air electro nights. The Saint-Exupéry Cultural Centre, the Palais du Tau and Le Manège completed the festival map, offering varied settings for exceptional artistic performances.

Internationally Renowned Artists

Over its editions, Elektricity welcomed internationally renowned artists: Nicolas Jaar, Woodkid, Sébastien Tellier, Gesaffelstein, Cassius, Madeon, SebastiAn, Hudson Mohawke, Brodinski, La Femme, Chassol and many others. The festival also made it a point of honour to program emerging artists and original creations, contributing to the permanent renewal of the electronic scene.

The End of an Adventure

The 2016 edition of Elektricity was cancelled, notably due to the cramped nature of the cathedral forecourt and competition from other regional festivals. In 2017, the city of Reims and its partners launched La Magnifique Society in its place, a generalist festival scheduled for early summer in the Parc de Champagne, which succeeded Elektricity. La Magnifique Society itself ceased after its 2023 edition. Elektricity remains a reference in the history of electronic music in Reims for the period 2003-2015.