Festiv'al Arrach

A student festival born from Cergy's energy

The Cergy-Pontoise Leisure Island, a vast natural and recreational area on the banks of the Oise, has hosted one of the most emblematic events for the student youth of Val-d'Oise since 2009: Festiv'al Arrach. This festival, unlike any other, was born from a simple and generous idea: to show that motivated and organized students can create, with limited resources and a lot of creativity, a quality musical and cultural event open to all.

The organizing association, UUKSA (headquartered at 1 rue des Étangs, on the Leisure Island), brings together passionate students who dedicate their free time and energy to putting on the festival. The organization is entirely voluntary, which partly explains the authenticity and warmth that characterize the event. This is not a festival put on by professionals to maximize profits, but a collective project born from a sincere love for music and sharing.

An eclectic program for all tastes

The originality of Festiv'al Arrach lies in its deliberate eclecticism in its musical programming. The festival does not adhere to any exclusive musical genre: it readily embraces various genres that, while not always seeming to go together, share the same festive energy and love of rhythm. Hip-hop and rap rub shoulders with sunny reggae, hypnotic dub, energetic rock, festive electro, and world music.

Two stages allow for continuous programming throughout the weekend, with artists performing at a steady pace. Some are local and regional bands making their stage debut, while others are more established groups from the Parisian or national scene. This mix of emerging talents and recognized artists is one of the festival's hallmarks, playing a role as a springboard for young artists.

The associative village and cultural activities

Festiv'al Arrach is not just about its musical program. One of its strong points is the associative village that comes alive on Saturday afternoons, with free access. Dozens of student and local associations set up stands, offer activities, debates, and artistic and sports events. Graffiti artists, actors, dancers, and circus performers take over the outdoor spaces for impromptu performances that enrich the festival experience.

Workshops for children are also offered—face painting, circus arts, gardening—making Festiv'al Arrach a truly family-friendly event, accessible to both young and old. This inclusive and multigenerational dimension is a rare asset in the world of contemporary music festivals, which are often reserved for a young adult audience.

The entire site is decorated with recycled materials, giving the festival a unique aesthetic that aligns with its ecological and solidarity values. This attention to scenography shows that Festiv'al Arrach neglects no aspect of the festival experience.

A solidarity festival focused on East Africa

Beyond entertainment, Festiv'al Arrach has a strong solidarity dimension. The profits generated by the festival are donated to the East Africa Rise Up project, an international collaboration between French, Kenyan, and Tanzanian artists and musicians. This artistic exchange and cultural development project illustrates the vision of the UUKSA association: to use music as a vehicle for solidarity and cultural exchange.

This solidarity mission gives the festival an additional depth and meaning that goes beyond the simple pleasure of celebration. By attending Festiv'al Arrach, festival-goers contribute to a project that has concrete repercussions on the other side of the Mediterranean and beyond.