Positive Education Festival

Electronic music at the heart of Saint-Étienne's industrial heritage

Founded in 2016 by Charles Di Falco and Antoine Hernandez, the Positive Education Festival was born from the energy of a collective of musicians and electronic music enthusiasts in Saint-Étienne. What began as a local initiative has, in just a few years, become one of the most respected events on the European electronic scene, drawing over 15,000 festival-goers to its 8th edition in 2024.

A return to the Cité du design

After a year-long hiatus, the festival returns in 2026 to the Cité du design, the former arms manufacturing site in Saint-Étienne where it all began. Between 2023 and 2024, the event was spread across two locations: the Parc des Expositions for evening shows and Le Clapier, a former railway station, for daytime activities. The 2026 edition will feature three stages at the Cité du design in a more intimate format designed to allow time for discovery. It will also serve as one of the first major events held in the site's future exhibition hall, a space of over 2,000 m² currently under construction.

Bold and eclectic programming

The strength of Positive Education lies in its uncompromising artistic direction. Each edition offers a journey through various electronic aesthetics: hard-hitting techno, groovy house, high-energy drum & bass, contemplative ambient, and avant-garde experimental music. The festival has hosted top-tier artists such as Goldie, Oklou, I Hate Models, Dax J, Hudson Mohawke, Overmono, Objekt, Anetha, The Bug & Flowdan, Eris Drew & Octo Octa, and Planetary Assault Systems. The format alternates between DJ sets and live performances, complemented by daytime conferences and workshops.

A committed and eco-friendly festival

Positive Education champions a socially conscious vision of event management. The festival implements an ambitious environmental policy, including reusable cups, waste sorting, partnerships with local sustainable development actors, and public awareness campaigns. Accessibility and inclusivity are at the heart of the project, driven by a clear desire to make electronic culture open to everyone. Its support for emerging artists, particularly through commissioning debut live performances, demonstrates a strong commitment to creative growth.

An influence that reaches beyond Saint-Étienne

Beyond the autumn festival, the Positive Education collective enlivens the Saint-Étienne scene year-round and organizes pe:rsona, a satellite event in the summer. The festival attracts audiences from across France and Europe, contributing to the cultural prestige of Saint-Étienne and the Loire region. Supported by the Département de la Loire and Saint-Étienne Métropole, it plays an active role in the territory's cultural and economic vitality.