Festival des Gohelliades
Popular and heritage festival at the foot of the twin slag heaps
About Gohelliades
Created in 1984 around Marcel Caron, the Gohelliades are the major popular festival of Loos-en-Gohelle, a pioneering town in sustainable development at the foot of the highest slag heaps in Europe. For about ten days in June around Pentecost, this festival showcases the region's know-how: musical performances, ducasse (traditional funfair), parade, artisan fair, nature guided tours on the slag heaps, exhibitions, and family activities. The Gohelliades celebrate the identity of Gohelle and the mining heritage inscribed by UNESCO.
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The Gohelliades: The Festival of Heritage and Know-How of Gohelle
Since 1984, the Gohelliades have been celebrating the identity and know-how of the Gohelle region, at the foot of the twin slag heaps of Fosse 11/19, the highest in Europe (186 meters). Created by a team gathered around Marcel Caron, this popular festival has become the annual event for cultural and festive life in Loos-en-Gohelle.
A Rich and Diverse Program
For about ten days around Pentecost, the Gohelliades offer a varied program:
- Musical Performances: Free concerts on the main stage, showcasing local and regional talent.
- Ducasse: The traditional funfair with its rides and stalls is set up for the Pentecost weekend.
- Parade: A festive procession goes through the town's streets, bringing together associations, schools, and residents.
- Artisan Fair: Local artisans exhibit and sell their creations, from woodworking to ceramics and local products.
Nature and Mining Heritage
The Gohelliades particularly highlight the natural heritage of the region, with a focus on the biodiversity of the slag heaps:
- Guided Tours of the Slag Heaps: Discover the exceptional flora and fauna that colonize these artificial reliefs.
- Birdwatching Outings: Observe birds in the agricultural plains and on the slag heaps.
- Night Discovery: Observe twilight fauna, bats, and nesting birds in the town.
Rooted in UNESCO Mining Heritage
Loos-en-Gohelle is an emblematic town of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais Mining Basin, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2012. The Gohelliades contribute to the valorization of this heritage and the transmission of mining memory, while celebrating the renewal of a territory focused on sustainable development and ecological transition.
An Anniversary Festival in 2024
In 2024, the Gohelliades celebrated their 40th anniversary, demonstrating the longevity and attachment of the inhabitants to this event, which has evolved with the times while remaining true to its values: conviviality, sharing, and pride in local heritage.
Gohelliades — edition 2026
The Gohelliades return in May-June 2026 for a new edition around Pentecost. A popular festival at the foot of the slag heaps, with performances, a ducasse, and nature tours.
2026 Edition
The Gohelliades return around Pentecost 2026 for a new edition. The detailed program will be announced in spring 2026.
Highlights Gohelliades 2026
To remember for 2026
- Festival around Pentecost
- Performances, ducasse, and parade
- Nature tours on the slag heaps
- Program to come
Prices Gohelliades 2026
Practical information — Gohelliades
Practical Information
Location
The festival takes place in Loos-en-Gohelle, at the foot of the twin slag heaps of Fosse 11/19, Place de la République, and in the town's streets.
Dates
The Gohelliades take place for about ten days around Pentecost, in June.
Prices
Access to activities is free. The ducasse (funfair) offers paid attractions.
Access
By car: Loos-en-Gohelle is accessible via the A21 (Lens-Liévin exit) or the A26. Free parking.
By train: Lens station (5 km away), then bus or taxi.
Contact
Mairie de Loos-en-Gohelle: 03 21 69 88 77 / www.loos-en-gohelle.fr
Practical Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for the guided tours of the slag heaps.
- Birdwatching outings require binoculars (loan available on site).
- The ducasse on Pentecost weekend is the most festive time.
- Take advantage of your visit to explore the Base 11/19 and its cultural spaces.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Gohelliades at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Gohelliades
Centre-ville de Loos-en-Gohelle
Place de la République, 62750 Loos-en-Gohelle