Le Grandchamp'Bardement — Solidarity festival of street arts and music

A festival born from solidarity

Le Grandchamp'Bardement was founded in 2003 by a group of young residents from Grandchamp-des-Fontaines and surrounding towns. Their goal was to create a family-oriented event that combined accessible culture with concrete support for children with disabilities. Since its inception, the association has donated over 66,000 euros to organizations supporting children with disabilities, such as the Association Française du Syndrome d'Angelman (AFSA), Hamadryade, Handisup, and the T'Cap collective. In 2009, the association was nationally recognized during the Atout Soleil operation organized by Générali, alongside 13 other French associations, for its work in support of children with disabilities.

Street arts in the Jardins d'Ashton Keynes

Every year, on the second weekend of September, the Jardins d'Ashton Keynes in the heart of Grandchamp-des-Fontaines transform into a vast space for creativity and performance. Over 40 shows are presented throughout the weekend, including juggling, acrobatics, tightrope walking, street theater, and circus acts, with a pyrotechnic show traditionally closing the Saturday evening. Performers come from all over France to offer shows accessible to all ages, from toddlers to adults.

Concerts and musical evenings

The festival also hosts two evenings of concerts that have featured renowned artists over the years, such as Yannick Noah, Charlie Winston, Superbus, Les Tambours du Bronx, Boulevard des Airs, Jérémy Frérot, Ko Ko Mo, Malted Milk, Joseph Kamel, Maheva, and DJ Zebra. Friday and Saturday nights feature a mix of main stage concerts, DJ sets, and a festive atmosphere that lasts late into the night.

A strong commitment to community

The Grandchamp'Bardement association is currently run by a board of 45 permanent members, all volunteers—employees, retirees, young and old, men and women alike. During the festival, more than 500 volunteers mobilize to manage the event. The festival's core values are solidarity, civic duty, passion, commitment, sharing, and authenticity. Each year, two organizations supporting children and adolescents with disabilities receive financial support from the festival's proceeds.

An eco-friendly and accessible festival

Le Grandchamp'Bardement is committed to eco-responsibility, recycling 900 kg of waste and partnering with ENCOVA for cigarette butt collection and Bouchons d'Amour. The festival uses a cashless wristband payment system. Accessibility is at the heart of the project, featuring raised platforms for wheelchair users, accessible parking upon request, and special rates for CMI cardholders. The festival welcomes approximately 14,000 attendees over the three days.