Heatwave disruptions to French festivals

Extreme heatwaves and drought conditions in France have led to the disruption of various summer festivals and public events.

In late July, the 24th Ecaussystème festival in Gignac was cancelled following a prefectural order due to an “unusually high risk of forest fires” linked to the heatwave.

By mid-August, organizers continued to adapt to high temperatures. In Dax, the Feria program saw the cancellation of certain activities, such as senior meals and competitions, while others like bullfighting were rescheduled to avoid peak heat. In Caen, the Éclat(s) de rue festival moved street art performances to later in the evening to protect participants and spectators from temperatures expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius.

Recent developments show heat-related safety measures expanding. In Dax, the Feria schedule for August 12 and 13 was modified to avoid peak heat, with the Red Cross called to reinforce medical presence in the arenas. In Saint-Martin-Boulogne, a cooled space was opened at the town hall for vulnerable residents.

In Belgium, authorities in Liège strengthened security and medical measures for festivities on August 15. However, due to a red fire code in Wallonia, a planned fireworks display for August 16 was cancelled. Additionally, transportation in France faces further disruption due to a planned SNCF strike in Normandy between August 14 and 16, affecting rail services between Paris and Caen, Cherbourg, Rouen, and Le Havre.