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FROM TRADITIONAL SOUNDS IN BRITTANY TO A BEACH PARTY IN MARSEILLE, THE MUSIC EXTRAVAGANZA IS A KEY DATE IN FRANCE’S CULTURAL CALENDAR Streets across France come to life every June 21 as

revellers come out to enjoy the _Fête de la musique_. But what is this festival and how can you find out what is going on near you? WHAT IS THE _FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE_? _Fête de la musique _is

an evening to celebrate musicians and the music they make. Amateur and aspiring musicians and singers set up their equipment in public areas, anywhere and everywhere from street corners to

local parks and play for the enjoyment of passers-by. The event takes place every year on June 21, which falls on a Wednesday this year. READ ALSO: TAX, GARDENS OPEN, PROPERTY FORM, STRIKES:

KEY DATES IN FRANCE IN JUNE WHAT ARE ITS ORIGINS? _Fête de la musique _(literally Festival of Music) is young, only dating back to 1982. Then French Culture Minister Jack Lang and his music

and dance director Maurice Fleuret created the event so amateur and aspiring musicians and singers could freely play their instruments or sing in public areas. Mr Lang and Mr Fleuret wanted

the festival to take place on a symbolic day so it would be adopted quickly and by the biggest number of people possible. They chose June 21 for two reasons: firstly it is the summer

solstice and it is also the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. _Fête de la musique_ is now celebrated in more than 120 countries worldwide. READ ALSO: TINA TURNER HAD

SEVERAL LINKS WITH FRANCE: HERE ARE FIVE WHERE CAN I FIND OUT WHAT IS GOING ON NEAR ME? The official WEBSITE of France’s culture ministry has a map of all the official events taking place.

It also has a search function so you can find out what is going on in a specific location and has tagged the events, so you can narrow your search to things that interest you, for example,

classical music, young people or events where no reservations are needed. KEY PERFORMANCES IN FRENCH CITIES NICE: A giant karaoke has been organised in Parc du Ray, “NICE CHANTE L’EUROPE !”

(Nice sings Europe!) with general knowledge quizzes on the European Union and French and European songs shown on a giant screen. BORDEAUX: Dance and DJ collective _La Sueur_ is joining

forces with artists from the interdisciplinary queer house Ô Fantasme_ for a_ UNIQUE SHOW in the courtyard of the Hôtel de Lalande (Musées des Arts décoratifs et du design). TOULOUSE: Vocal

and instrumental company Eranos is giving an unusual _classical music concert_ in the Carmélites chapel. MONTPELLIER: The city has organised six concerts on the PROMENADE DU PEYROU, covering

rap, rock, jazz and gospel genres, among others. RENNES: The Breton music group _FLEUVES_ - which brings together Breton folklore and jazz rock melodies - is playing at the terrasse of the

Hôtel de Courcy from 20:00. LYON: Lyon is celebrating BRAZIl this year, with singers, drummers and dancers parading all night in the historic town centre around Place Bellecour. LILLE: A

classic concert celebrating local artist BENOÎT JOSEPH BOUSSU has been organised with three local groups at the _Archives départementales du Nord_. MARSEILLE: A huge concert has been

organised on the beach in Marseille, in the 8th arrondissement. At least 10,000 people are expected to attend the event organised by FUN RADIO LIVE. PARIS: Internationally renowned DJ Bob

Sinclair will be hosting an event from 6 pm in PARC DE LA VILLETTE. RELATED ARTICLES VIDEO: FRENCHWOMAN AND WORLD’S OLDEST PIANIST TO RELEASE HER 7TH ALBUM ‘I PLAYED BAD CLASSICAL MUSIC

BECAUSE THE MALE COMPOSER WAS FAMOUS’