Friendstival

Friendstival: The Spirit of Celebration and Sharing at the Château des Arts

In the green and historic setting of the Château des Arts in Pontoise (95300), Friendstival has, since 2013, established its tradition of a convivial and popular celebration. Organized by the association Benj & Friends with logistical support from the City of Pontoise, this free one-day festival perfectly embodies the idea of shared culture, accessible to all and rooted in the local community.

The name "Friendstival" summarizes the essence of the project: a festival among friends, open to all, where community spirit takes precedence over spectacle. The founding objective of the Benj & Friends association is clear and generous: to introduce residents of the Val-d'Oise to a new band or artist each year, offering them a festive and welcoming environment for this discovery.

A Village in the Castle Gardens

The staging of Friendstival is one of its most appreciated features. The association sets up a true festive village in the gardens of the Château des Arts with several distinct areas that allow each festival-goer to have their own experience:

The Music Stage

At the heart of the village, an outdoor stage hosts the artists programmed for the day. The programming philosophy is rooted in the local and regional: each edition highlights bands and artists from the Val-d'Oise and Île-de-France who deserve to be discovered. Pop, folk, rock, electro, jazz, or French chanson, the genres vary from one edition to the next, reflecting the diversity of the regional music scene.

This attention to local artists addresses a real issue: accessible stages for emerging bands are rare, and Friendstival provides a valuable opportunity for many of them to perform in front of a large and supportive audience in a professional and rewarding setting.

Creative Workshops

One of Friendstival's strengths is the importance given to artistic practice workshops. Professional instructors offer activities for all ages throughout the day:

• Origami: The Japanese art of paper folding, introductory sessions for children and adults
• Woodturning: Demonstration and introduction to this traditional craft
• Mandalas: Creation of participatory or personal giant mandalas
• Percussion: Collective percussion workshops, open to all ages
• Pastry making: Creative making and tasting for families
• Doll making: Creative workshop for children
• Board games: Game area for playing with family or friends

This participatory dimension makes Friendstival much more than an ordinary music festival: it is a day of shared cultural practice where everyone, regardless of age or skill level, can create, learn, and have fun.

Stalls and Conviviality

Stalls from local artisans, associations from the Val-d'Oise, and food vendors complete the festive village. These stalls allow local associations to gain visibility, artisans to showcase their creations, and all festival-goers to gather over a meal or a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Décibels Program: Support for Local Artists

Friendstival is part of the Décibels program, a support initiative for emerging artists from the Val-d'Oise led by the association Benj & Friends. This program offers young bands and artists support in their artistic development—rehearsals, recording, communication—culminating in an opportunity to perform publicly at Friendstival.

This link between supporting creation and providing a public showcase makes Friendstival an important player in local cultural development, helping to structure the independent music scene of the Val-d'Oise.

The Château des Arts, a Heritage Gem

The Château des Arts in Pontoise, located at 2 rue des Patis, is a remarkable heritage building housing various cultural structures of the city. Its pleasant and well-maintained gardens offer an ideal setting for a family outdoor festival. Pontoise, the prefecture of the Val-d'Oise and a city of art and history, provides a choice location for an event that aims to combine culture, conviviality, and local roots.