Festival des Bandafolie's

Les Bandafolie's: The Banda Fever in Haute-Vienne

Born in 1997 from the passion of Jean-Pascal Dumay and a group of musician friends from the Bessines banda, the Festival des Bandafolie's was intended to be a one-time event. But the overwhelming success of the first edition – people dancing on tables and jumping everywhere – convinced the organizers to continue the adventure. Nearly three decades later, Bandafolie's has become a must-see institution in Limousin, attracting tens of thousands of festival-goers each year to the heart of Bessines-sur-Gartempe.

Five Days of Celebration Around July 14th

The festival unfolds over five intense days, from July 10th to 14th. The Stade des Châtaigniers hosts the main evening events with three stages set up under two huge tents. Thursday evening marks the official opening with food trucks and the "bodega". On Friday, the Bandafoulées, a popular 8-kilometer race through the town accompanied by musicians, truly kicks off the festivities, followed by a tribute concert and the Madame Rouge evening. Saturday, the festival's highlight, brings together nearly 300 musicians on stage during the Grande Nuit des Bandafolie's, with a "féria" dinner under the big tent.

From Lake Sagnat to the Heart of the Village

On Sunday, the celebration moves to the Lac de Sagnat, an enchanting natural setting for a musical mass, an acrobatic show by the Crazy Dunkers, giant barbecues, a children's "paquito" (dance), and a musical fireworks display before the grand popular dance. Monday, July 14th, concludes the festivities with the traditional flea market, the commemorative parade, and the choreographed parade through the streets of Bessines.

A Popular Festival Driven by its Volunteers

Entirely organized by the Comité des Bandafolie's and its 250 volunteers, the festival operates on an associative and friendly model. The invited musical groups come from all over France and beyond: the Bagad de Lann-Bihoué (Brittany), the DMA Band (Belgium), Triad Brass (United States), the Meva Marching Band (Colombia), The Brassholes (Netherlands), and the Supersonic Fanfare (Toulouse) have marked recent editions. This international eclecticism, combined with the popular festive spirit, makes Bandafolie's a unique event that generates considerable economic benefits for local businesses, with turnover multiplied by four or five during the festival.