Festival Grand Large
Live performance festival in Gravelines
About Grand Large
Created in 2020 by the Compagnie Libre d'Esprit in partnership with the City of Gravelines, the Festival Grand Large is a multidisciplinary event dedicated to live performance. For about ten days between late October and early November, the festival takes over the entire city: schools, performance venues, heritage sites, and even private homes. Theater, storytelling, music, clowning, dance, cinema, and exhibitions make up a committed and accessible program, with the overarching theme of opening culture to all audiences.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Grand Large at the best price.
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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 Festival Grand Large is expected in autumn 2026 in Gravelines. Theater, storytelling, music, clowning, dance, and cinema will once again take over the city for about ten days of live performance accessible to all.
7th Edition - Autumn 2026
The Festival Grand Large returns to Gravelines in autumn 2026 for its 7th edition. The festival will continue to offer artistic and civic experiences throughout the city: theater, storytelling, music, clowning, dance, cinema, and exhibitions.
Highlights Grand Large 2026
To remember for 2026
- Dates: autumn 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed)
- Location: Gravelines, throughout the city
- 7th edition of the live performance festival
- Multidisciplinary and accessible program
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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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Grand Large at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Grand Large
Scène Vauban et lieux divers
Place Albert Denvers, 59820 Gravelines