The rain did not spoil the party: the 26th edition of the Venoge Festival, which was held on its new site in Penthaz (VD), was that of all records. The concerts drew 43,000 people from Wednesday to Sunday.
“The time of five evenings, Penthaz has quadrupled its number of inhabitants!” exclaim the organizers in their closing press release. “Benefiting from the one and only rainy week of the whole summer, the Venoge Festival prefers – to the accusation of unfair competition – to boast of being the only appointment to have respected the festival tradition: concerts boots feet and memorable moments”, they continue with humor.
Rock legend Iggy Pop’s performance on Wednesday was one of the highlights of the festival. On Thursday, other veterans hit the big stage: Kool & The Gang, Madness and The Dire Straits Experience. Friday’s electro evening was an “unexpected” success. “The concept of offering continuous music on all three stages has enabled 25 bands and DJs to perform.” Saturday and Sunday evenings also worked well.
Swiss scene not visible enough
The Venoge Swiss Talent, located in the free zone of the festival, allowed to program regarding twenty Swiss artists. However, attendance was “below expectations”. It took “a little will” to enter the communal hall of Penthaz, stuck to the enclosure of the festival. A reflection will be carried out to keep this scene while giving it better visibility.
Many challenges had to be faced this year, starting with the move from Penthalaz (VD) to Penthaz. “There is what we imagine on the plans, and there is the reality on the ground”, underlines the press release.
“By moving to Penthaz, by expanding the surface of the festival, by welcoming new members into the organization, by knowing the difficulties and shortages that the event industry is going through following the Covid, we knew that the task would be difficult. However, it must be recognized that the challenges were more numerous than expected. Until the last minute, we had to show imagination and reactivity to overcome the unforeseen.”
Volunteer commitment praised
The two-year postponement of different types of tickets also made the management of admissions sweat, which was not without hiccups in the first hours. Despite everything, the organizing committee, made up of volunteers, says it is “proud” and “moved” to have offered a “quality” event. “This success is also and above all the fruit of the commitment and self-sacrifice of the 800 volunteers who worked day and night and, unfortunately, sometimes understaffed.”
The festival also thanks its neighbours, as well as the Commune of Penthaz “for their welcome and their hospitality”. “Without their optimal collaboration and the provision of the grounds, the festival-goers would not have been able to experience these unforgettable moments.”
The event was making a comeback following two blank years linked to health restrictions. The last edition, in 2019, attracted 30,000 music lovers. The next one will be held from August 16 to 20, 2023.
This article has been published automatically. Source: ats
