Summer is well and truly here, with its glorious weather, festivals, concerts and shows… It’s time to celebrate the end of exams and the start of a well-deserved family holiday! This colourful opening weekend promises some unmissable events to kick off the peak season.
To kick things off, the 10th edition of the Fantasy and History Festival, this year entitled ‘Le Merveilleux Grimoire’ (with a banquet on Friday evening – booking required – shows and entertainment throughout the weekend, an arts and crafts market, and more). Make the most of this weekend to immerse yourself in imaginary worlds, or simply unwind whilst enjoying open-air jazz concerts on professional stages set against the backdrop of the ruins of Saint-Bertin Abbey and other iconic locations in Saint-Omer. You can choose to step back in time to the 1950s on the Aa Valley Tourist Railway to the Festivallée, or have some fun at the port of Aire-sur-la-Lys, or even cheer on the competitors in a madcap and fun soapbox race along the Chemin des Berceaux this Sunday! Let the celebrations begin!!
- 4th and 5th: LE MERVEILLEUX GRIMOIRE FESTIVAL, the 10th edition of the Fantasy and History Festival in Saint-Omer, organised by the Vilmer association.
- From the 1st to the 5th: The unmissable SAINT-OMER JAAZ FESTIVAL from 1st to 5th July, organised by La Barcarolle, with plenty of highlights.
On the 1st, it’s all about family-friendly entertainment. From Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th: The Festival takes place at various venues across Saint-Omer: the ruins of Saint-Bertin Abbey, the Italian-style theatre, the Moulin à Café, the town centre, the cathedral, the motte castrale, and at the Faiseurs de bateaux.
FREE. A detailed programme is attached and available on the dedicated website. Book your tickets for the concerts at the Italian-style theatre in Saint-Omer.
- On the 4th: FÊTE DE LA LYS at the Aire-sur-la-Lys marina, entertainment all day long. Free.
- 4 and 5 July: FESTIVALLÉE at the Aa Valley Tourist Train in Arques: a special trip back to the 1950s. Admission fee applies.
- 5 July: 2nd SOAPBOX DERBY at Longuenesse. Free.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Got a question about one of this weekend’s events or a current festival?
Check our online calendar or speak to our visitor advisors at the Pays de Saint-Omer Tourist and Convention Bureau, on 03 21 98 08 51 or at the information desk on Place Victor Hugo in Saint-Omer (between the cathedral and the main square).
