It is surely this popular and human dimension that made, in part, the notoriety of this event created in 1999. “I knew absolutely nothing about the circus”explains Bruno Laloye who was then CEO of the Casino of Saint-Paul-lès-Dax. “But we wanted to create a major cultural event, for the city and for its inhabitants”.
The choice fell on the circus because of structures lacking at the time (cinema, theatre, etc.), and “by the desire to be different, to stand out from the crowd”he continues, referring to the many music festivals that exist in the Landes. “It took me about ten years and meeting many personalities, who became friends, to familiarize myself with this environment, discover its springs and really understand the virtues of this discipline”.
Today, the International Festival of Circus Artists of Saint-Paul-lès-Dax is made up of more than 120 volunteers, a team of professionals (sound and light technicians, technical and artistic manager), an orchestra of 10 musicians, “and a presenter called Madame or Monsieur Loyal”. Each year, more than 12,000 spectators gather throughout the festival, in a marquee that can accommodate 2,100 at each performance by one of the 30 to 60 artists present. All this making the festival one of the most important in its field.
“We have evolved the festival step by step and we will continue in the same way. The only ambition we have is to continue to give pleasure to the public, and to enhance the image of the circus”concludes Bruno Laloye.
Timothy Linard
