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WE LOOK AT HOW FUNDRAISERS FOR THE LOCAL CHURCH TURNED INTO ANNUAL SCHOOL PARTIES THAT ARE A HUGE PART OF FRENCH VILLAGE LIFE Kids from the local school all perform at the kermesse, each

climbing on stage with their class to do the song and dance numbers that they have supposedly rehearsed for several months. Many outsiders find it curious that the end-of-year school party

does not take place in school and is usually a well-attended affair open to the whole village that can run well in to the night. Here are five more things they don't tell you... LA

MESSE Originally, la kermesse was a church fête, raising funds for local charities and educational projects.  As such it involved a church service. Today it is usually organised by primary

schools in aid of things such as new playground equipment and school trips, and the church does not come into it at all. Mon Dieu! LES STANDS Stands include traditional games such as

throwing sponges at stacks of empty tin cans, or drawing straws to win a bottle, as well as sales of local crafts including knitted dolls and baby clothes.  There is also very often a

display of gymnastics, dancing or singing by the primary school children. Que c'est mignon! Read more: 5 tips to be accepted into French village life LA BUVETTE Refreshments are

available at a kermesse, naturellement!  Even though the event is more often than not held in the playground of the local primary school, there is often a bar selling beer and possibly even

wine as well as soft drinks. This is traditionally organised by the papas, often to raise funds for a local association. Tchin, tchin! LE RESTAURATION Mums traditionally organise the chip

stall and the cake stand. A favourite sweet treat is les oreillettes, which are made from flour, eggs and olive oil.  The dough is rolled out thin and cut into strips which puff up when deep

fried. They are sold drenched in sugar. Different regions have different variations. Miam-miam! LA VIE MODERNE Some traditional kermesses have morphed into full-blown commercially-run

festivals complete with a line-up of rock bands, a selection of food trucks, and a full bar.  These have very little connection to any kind of charitable organisation, and tend to carry on

until the small hours. Un sacré bruit!