Festival Grand Large
Live performance festival in Gravelines
About Grand Large
Festival Grand Large: Live Performance for Everyone in Gravelines
Since 2020, the Festival Grand Large has brought a wave of culture and conviviality to Gravelines, a city fortified by Vauban on the North Sea coast. Supported by the Compagnie Libre d'Esprit and the City of Gravelines, this live performance festival stands out for its commitment to bringing art closer to the residents.
A Festival Rooted in the City
The Festival Grand Large is not confined to a single venue. It takes over the entire city: primary and secondary schools (with performances in schools), Scène Vauban, Sportica, community centers, and even private homes transformed into performance spaces for an evening. This unique approach creates a special proximity between artists and the public.
A Multidisciplinary and Committed Program
The Festival Grand Large's program boldly blends disciplines:
- Theater: contemporary creations, object theater, socially engaged theater on societal themes.
- Storytelling and Oral Tradition: storytelling performances for all ages.
- Music: concerts and musical performances.
- Clowning and Circus: contemporary clown shows and circus acts.
- Dance: choreographic creations and performances.
- Cinema: screenings and film-debate evenings.
- Exhibitions: visual arts and street art.
A Citizen's Common Thread
The common thread of the Festival Grand Large is opening Culture to everyone, offering experiences that are both civic and artistic, where everyone finds their place. Debates, participatory workshops, and artist encounters complement the stage program, making the festival a space for dialogue and reflection.
The Festival Banquet
A highly anticipated moment of conviviality, the festival banquet brings together artists, volunteers, and spectators for a shared meal, in the festive and warm spirit that characterizes the event.
Grand Large — edition 2026
The 7th edition of the Grand Large Festival will be held from October 30 to November 8, 2026, in Gravelines, on the theme of Friendship. For about ten days, the multidisciplinary festival by Compagnie Libre d'Esprit will once again take over the entire city: theatre, storytelling, music, clowning, dance, cinema, visual arts, and photography, offering a cultural journey accessible to all audiences.
7th edition - October 30 to November 8, 2026
The Grand Large Festival returns to Gravelines in autumn 2026 for its 7th edition, placed under the theme of Friendship. As every year, this multidisciplinary cultural journey, led by Compagnie Libre d'Esprit (in partnership with the City of Gravelines and MOTRA), will offer artistic and civic experiences throughout the city: theatre, storytelling, music, clowning, dance, cinema, exhibitions, and street performances, in performance halls as well as in everyday locations.
The festival is launching calls for participation for professional and amateur artists to build this 2026 edition. The detailed program (shows, venues, times, and prices) will be published on the official website closer to the event.
Highlights Grand Large 2026
- Dates: October 30 to November 8, 2026
- 7th edition, on the theme of Friendship
- Multidisciplinary performing arts festival: theatre, storytelling, music, clowning, dance, cinema, exhibitions
- A cultural journey throughout the city of Gravelines, accessible to all audiences
Prices Grand Large 2026
Practical information — Grand Large
Practical Information
Access and Transport
By car: Gravelines is located on the Opal Coast, 30 minutes from Dunkerque and 1 hour from Lille via the A25 then A16. Free parking near the performance venues.
By train: Gravelines station (TER from Dunkerque or Calais).
By bus: The DK'Bus network serves Gravelines from Dunkerque.
Venues
The festival takes place in various locations in Gravelines: Scène Vauban, Sportica, schools, community centers, and private homes. A detailed program with addresses is available on the official website.
Prices
Many performances are free or very affordable. Some special events (cinema-bowling, banquet) are ticketed at modest prices. Consult the program for details.
Contact
Compagnie Libre d'Esprit: [email protected] / 06 62 57 71 53
Practical Tips
- Consult the detailed program on the official website to find shows and book if necessary.
- School performances are reserved for students.
- The festival banquet is a convivial moment, remember to book your spot.
- The festival is accessible to all audiences, including families with children.
Accessibility
The main festival venues (Scène Vauban, Sportica) are accessible to people with reduced mobility. For performances in private homes, accessibility may vary. Inquire with the organizers for specific needs.
Accommodation
Gravelines has guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and campsites near the Vauban fortifications. The Bouteille à la Mer guesthouse and other charming accommodations welcome visitors in the fortified city. Hotels are also available in Dunkerque, 20 minutes away.
Discover Gravelines
Take advantage of the festival to discover the exceptional heritage of Gravelines: the Vauban fortifications, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the belfry, the Petit-Fort-Philippe lighthouse, and the beaches of the Opal Coast. The city offers a remarkable setting for a cultural stay.
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Where does it take place — Grand Large
Scène Vauban et lieux divers
Place Albert Denvers, 59820 Gravelines