Tarbes International Military Music Festival

Musical Military Tradition in Tarbes

Tarbes, the birthplace of Marshal Foch and a city with a long military tradition and historical garrisons, has hosted a major European International Military Music Festival since 2002. As Mayor Gérard Trémège highlighted: "There are few events like this in France."

Military Musicians from Around the World

Each edition brings together around 350 musicians from six to eight ensembles representing as many nations. Past participating countries have included Italy (with its flag bearers and Bersaglieri band), the Netherlands, Ukraine, Latvia, Tunisia, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, Russia, Spain, Romania, Poland, Switzerland, and of course France.

A Three-Part Program

Concerts at the Parc des Expositions

The festival opens in Hall 3 of the Parc des Expositions with concerts by each military ensemble in a privileged acoustic setting.

Parades in the City

The military bands take over the streets and squares of Tarbes for parades and open-air concerts, offering a free spectacle to passers-by.

Grand Finale at the Stadium

The festival culminates with a grand finale at the Maurice Trélut Stadium, where all ensembles gather for a large-scale collective concert, free of charge.