The Fête de la Musique, also known as World Music Day, is an all-night music celebration taking place on June 21 - the summer solstice.
The idea was thought up in 1981 by French Music and Dance director Maurice Fleuret for then Minister of Culture Jack Lang. The Fête de la Musique (External link) began in France and first took place in 1982. It has since spread to one hundred countries throughout the five continents.
In France it has become a real social phenomenon. This major cultural event has enabled a renewal of traditional music, a discovery of different world music and the development of new musical trends. This festival aims to promote music in two ways: Firstly by encouraging amateur and professional musicians of all genres of music to perform in the street with the slogan Faites de la musique (Make music), a homophone of Fête de la Musique. And secondly by organising a programme of free concerts, making culture and music accessible to all.
London's home of Fête de la Musique (External link) is in Exhibition Road around South Kensington on Saturday 21st June all day long. The French Music Bureau is largely involved in this annual one-day free festival of live music with 25 different indoor and outdoor stages, 25 workshops and 150 concerts. In previous years, more than 15,000 Londoners enjoyed the event and its wide range of music and styles!
For more information visit www.exhibitionroadmusicday.org (External link)
On the same day, some French restaurants will also celebrate the Fête de la Musique (External link) . Among them Cellar Gascon - “Le Clan des Canailles” will be part of the event with live music, DJ and a special outdoor show.
For more information contact Lamia Bougandourah on 0207 796 0600 or www.cellargascon.com (External link)