The wait was long, but it was worth it. The International Balloon Festival will make its grand return from September 10 to 18 in Dieppe, Normandy, four years after the last edition was canceled due to the health crisis. This year, the planet is honored by the public and 28 delegations present in the city of four ports. During these nine days of celebrations and demonstrations, several hundred thousand people are expected. They will be brought to tame the kite in all its forms: sports, combat, traditional and even… lit up. The organizer, Dieppe Capitale du Cerf-Volant association, wants to guaranteeconstant interactivitybetween professionals and the public. With this 21st edition, the balloon will surely keep no more secrets for you…
LE FIGARO. – What is the general state of mind two weeks before the start of the event?
Sandrine FREBURG. – The latest issue dates back to 2018. The 2020 edition was in stores and we had to cancel everything at the last minute due to health issues. We hoped to organize it in 2021, but it was not possible either. The decision to do so for 2022 began last March, less than five months before it was due to take place in September. Usually we have a year and a half to prepare for the festival.
As a result, they are eagerly waiting for us. This year, 27 countries will be represented, and balloonists are eager to come to Dieppe. In turn, the public is in demand. he encouraged and supported us a lot during the epidemic. Today we receive calls and emails from prospective visitors. It is assumed that this year they will amount to 450-700 thousand.
How would you describe this event so that those who don’t know want to come?
This festival is one of the last events of this scale, which remains completely free for both the public and professionals. With this approach, we want everyone to be able to use it and participate; no areas are closed to the public and all stands are accessible to people with reduced mobility. Communication with delegations is direct and constant. This interaction between visitors and balloons is very important to us.
Additionally, this 21st edition has a very specific theme: the planet. The aim is to raise public awareness of the climate emergency and the impact these changes will have on balloon flight in particular. Moments such as games, special stands or production workshops will be dedicated to this theme. Some professionals, for example, work with natural or recycled materials to make their kites.
What will be the not-to-be-missed events this year?
The first Sunday will be marked by an opening parade in the city center. As every year, there will be many shows and concerts in Dieppe during the nine days of programming. The public can attend the Kite World Cup on the second weekend. The highlight of this 21st edition will take place at the very end of the festival on Saturday night, the night flight. At around 10pm, lighted balloons will be launched into the air accompanied by an hour-long soundtrack specially prepared for the occasion.
Important events of the festival
Weekend 1 (Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September)
- Village opening (Saturday at 10 a.m.)
- The opening of the festival with the presentation of the invited delegations and the flight (early afternoon on Saturday)
- Parade in the city center (Sunday at 10:00)
- Wind Power Generation Competition (Sunday at 12:30pm)
Wednesday September 14
- children’s day
Thursday September 15
- A great flight of companies in the Dieppe area
2nd weekend (Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September)
- Fighting Kite World Cup (Saturday and Sunday afternoon)
- Art balloon creation contest (Saturday at 3:00 p.m.)
- Night flight (Saturday at 22:00)
Source: Le Figaro
