2024-03-02 16:37:25
“It started from nothing“, says Daniel, alias “Pollux”, co-creator of the national accordion festival. In 1984, when he had just launched a local radio station with friends, he needed funds. “We needed money to buy our transmitter, so we organized an accordion gala. It worked with the fire of God! So we decided to continue“, smiles the septuagenarian. 40 years later, the national accordion festival is still there. The event is celebrating its anniversary this Saturday March 2 and Sunday March 3, at the Mulsanne village hall, south of Le Mans.
The secret to the longevity of this festival? “Several things”selon Pollux. “We are hard workers! And we made the choice of excellence, the people who come know that they will find good music. We have local artists, but not only that. They all have a 50-minute passage, to give them time to get their bearings. It’s friendly, we don’t have to worry, and I have a great team of volunteers. There are thirty of us and I even have to refuse volunteers, it’s crazy.” he explains.
Dancers from far away
In the village hall, there are regulars, but also people from far away. This is the case of Marie-José, Bernadette, Gérard and Aimable, two couples of friends from Brittany and the Somme. “We came by camper van. We do many accordion festivals throughout France because we love it. But we know the one in Mulsanne well, it’s one of the best in the area! Even if it wasn’t the 40th anniversary, we would have come. We wouldn’t have missed it for anything.“, explain the retirees.
The accordion also appeals to younger people, according to some members of the volunteer team. “I have been a volunteer since 2018. Already, to lend a hand, but also because I love what the accordion represents. It’s lively, warm, friendly, it’s the terroir. The accordion is also the means of transmitting traditionsa way of life, over several generations. It’s not just for the elderly.. Even among artists, we see younger and younger ones“, assures Bruno.
Amateurs and professionals perform on stage for two days. © Radio France – Léa Dubost
The party continues this Sunday, March 3, in Mulsanne, for the national accordion festival. Approximately 400 people are expected. If you are not available, don’t panic, “we have already committed to doing it once more next year“, warns Pollux. Information on 06 11 97 59 59.
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