Events

These are some of the major local events planned for the next twelve months.

Click on the images to go to the relevant web site (where available).

Blues Passions - Cognac

6 days and 6 nights of concerts featuring international artists. 2008 included Status Quo and Joan Baez

July 21st to 26th 2009

European Hot-Air Balloon Championship - Mainfonds

4 days, 60 balloons, 35,000 spectators, La Patrouille de France (France's "Red Arrows") all amongst the vines of the Charente countryside.

Next European Cup to be held July 30th to 2nd August 2009.

World Music and Dance - Confolens

The largest annual festival of traditional dance and music from around the world. Troupes at last year's (the 50th) came from 14 different countries:- South Africa, Tahiti, USA, Scotland, Ecuador, Columbia, Mexico, Cuba, Italy, Turkey, Bulgaria, Daghestan (in Russia), China and France

August 10th to 16th 2009

Coupe de Chauffe - Cognac

Free 2 day festival of street entertainment - International artists from the circus, theatre, dance, music ...

September

Le Circuit des Remparts - Angoulême

Vintage cars racing around the historic city ramparts. A full weekend of parades, Concours d'Elegance, a rally through the Charente countyside and numerous races on the unique street circuit.

September 18th to 20th 2009

Le Festival International de la Bande Dessinée

Angoulême hosts the annual international Comic Strip Festival , which takes place in venues throughout the city centre.

January

Medieval Festival - Chateau de St Germain de Confolens

Displays and activities including medieval crafts, sword fighting, bowmanship and other long lost skills, in the setting of the castle ruins. You can even try out the armour for size!

Every May Day Holiday