Weather festival Paris is one of the most forward thinking and exciting festivals that I have ever seen. With a set up that is completely unique to anything else in the world this year. They go above and beyond to include every type of person on the spectrum. An incredible amount of thought has gone into the planning and design of this festival to make it one of the most impressive and exciting events this year, don’t believe me? Have a read below and try tell me otherwise.
Basic Run Down.
The festival itself is split up into two segments OFF & ON. The OFF program runs a week before the main events, from May 27th-31st. The OFF program offers an extremely wide range of events around the city. From conferences to film screenings and debates. All of this along with weather themed parties in clubs all around the city.
Then there is the ON program, a week later from May 4th-7th. This is the more classic festival side of things. With 5 stages in a huge open air space for all to enjoy. 4 of the stages are continuing on the seasonal themes with the fifth stage being a surprise.
OFF program day by day.
Wednesday 27th: The OFF program kicks off with a private screening of Man from Tomorrow, by Jaqueline Caux. The soundtrack of which was done by none other than Jeff Mills (who is also playing during the ON program). Followed by a sort of Q&A session with those in attendance along with those watching at home whilst the event is being streamed online.
The evening will then close with performances by Sergie Rezza (Dj Deep & Roman Poncet). They will be joined by a rare performance by the famous Pepe Bradock.
Thursday 28th: Next up is a debate and master class session at la Gaite Lyrique. Focussing mainly on visual arts this evening. Masterclassed on topics such as working your way around Abelton live or learning about software like MadMapper. For anyone looking to get started in creating electronic music of any shape of form then this is the evening for you.
This evening will be closed out by a very special performance by Voice from the lake. This live techno set will be supported by 360 degrees animated visuals by the artist Heleen Blanken. Tickets for this exciting evening can be bought HERE.
Friday 29th: Friday and Saturday have night events in clubs and venues all around the city. From Dj Rolando in Rex club to Magda and Lowris at Concrete. There is a wide variety of electronic gigs going on throughout the weekend, all of which will be special and very unique.
Saturday 30th: On the Saturday is something truly unique. The organisers of this wonderful festival have really thought of almost everything. Set on the banks of the Seine is an event for kids and families. Year in year out festival season comes and goes and yet nobody thinks of the kids. This brilliant event is FREE for children below 16 and only €5 for those older. With events like roller disco, creative workshops, fishing and a family techno party. This is a terrific step towards opening up different music genres and educating the future generations of France. In a time where mainstream music is constantly being force fed down our throats, this is a bright glimmer of hope and something other festivals could learn from.
Sunday 31st: Concrete have teamed up with Mercredi Productions for an event dedicated to the gay culture of Paris. Another forward thinking and fantastic idea in the designing of this festival. They have really left no stone unturned and have done their utmost to include as many people as they can.
This has been put together by two of the biggest names in the gay Berlin party scene. Tana Sumo and Lakuti. On the night names like Boris. Tama Sumo. The black Madonna. Lakuti. Discidromo. Behzad & Amarou will be putting their skills on show late into the night.
ON program day by day:
Thursday 4th: This is something very special. For the first time ever Derek May will perform a live set. nothing special about that you say? How about if he does it with the help of a 60 piece orchestra led by Dzijan Emin. This is something truly exceptional and truly unique to Weather Festival. This type of performance has been done before a few years ago by Jeff Mills.
Friday 5th: Opening at 6pm and rounding up at 8am the following morning! This all night party is stacked to the rafters with some of the biggest names around. At a glance Mr. G, Floating points, Seven Davis Jr., Ben Klock and a shed load of others will all be letting loose throughout the night.
Saturday 6th: Saturday follows the same basic outline as the day before. At a festival that has so much going on and so much variety, seeing two days of normal festival activity seems hilariously mundane. But once again this day has acts that will blow you away. Floorplan, DVS1, Nina Kraviz and Marcel Dettmann to name but a few.
This is by far one of the most impressive festival set ups I have ever seen. With ideas that seem so brilliantly original, like including a day for kids, and yet are untouched and untried by anyone else. If you love electronic music. GO TO WEATHER FESTIVAL. If you are new to the wonderful world of electronic music and want to experience it first hand. GO TO WEATHER FESTIVAL. If for some reason you live within a reasonable distance of Paris and don’t have plans to go to either of weekends, then for the sake of those of us who cant make it and for the love of God. GO TO WEATHER FESTIVAL!
Tickets for all events are available HERE.