Tambours de Fête Festival

Percussion in all its forms since 1998

The Tambours de Fête festival was born in 1998 from the initiative of the Tropic Carolo Combo troupe, a collective of passionate Ardennes percussionists. From its very first edition, the festival met with immense public success thanks to its originality and bold programming, making the rhythms of the world resonate in the streets of Charleville-Mézières. Initially organized every three years, it became annual since 2013 under the impetus of AME (Association for Music and Expression), which has perpetuated its spirit since 2004.

World-renowned artists

Throughout its editions, Tambours de Fête has hosted internationally renowned percussionists: Billy Cobham, Trilok Gurtu, the Tambours du Bronx, and many other artists from all corners of the globe. The festival explores all facets of percussion: djembe, drums, body percussion, junk percussion (percussion using recycled objects), tabla, congas, balafon, steel drum, taiko, and traditional percussion from all continents.

Graines de Percus: education at the heart of the festival

One of the festival's pillars is the Graines de Percus program, which became annual in 2008. This educational component offers percussion workshops in schools, middle schools, and high schools in the Ardennes, led by professional artists. Students work for several weeks before presenting their work at the festival, participating in parades and collective performances. This program reaches hundreds of children and adolescents in the region each year.

16th edition 2024: the legacy of STOMP

The 16th edition, from May 27 to June 1, 2024, made a mark with the exceptional presence of Carl Smith, founder of the legendary STOMP troupe, who led body percussion and junk percussion workshops at AME. This edition confirmed the festival's ability to attract top-tier artists while remaining true to its DNA: percussion accessible to all.

17th edition 2025: the festival goes decentralized

The 17th edition, from May 12 to 20, 2025, innovated by decentralizing across the entire Ardennes region, favoring a rural environment. No indoor concerts or parades in the streets of Charleville-Mézières this year, but the festival renewed its formula while remaining true to percussion. The finale was held on May 20 at the Macérienne/Square Bayard site.