Geneva to host free festival on Ascension weekend: What you need to know
By Jan de Boer
After authorities in Geneva caused a stir by announcing that the largest drone show in Europe would be taking place in the city every night between May 18 to 21, organisers have now revealed all the different things that will be happening at the event. From free music and comedy shows to rollerskating parties, here’s what you can expect during the Feu Ô Lac (Fire on Lake) festival in Geneva.
Free festival in Geneva between May 18 and 21
On April 25, authorities in Geneva revealed what would be happening in the city during the Ascension weekend in 2023. The event, called Feu Ô Lac (Fire on Lake), is a completely free festival that will take place from May 18 to 21. The majority of the events will be based in the heart of the city near the Mont Blanc Bridge.
Organisers promised an array of different shows, parties and activities for local residents and visitors. “After the difficult years we have gone through, we want to offer Genevans a moment of relaxation and lightness”, a spokesperson told 20 Minuten.
Largest drone show in Europe to be paired with discos and shows
Around the lake, a number of high-octane music and disco events are due to take place between May 18 and 21, featuring artists and DJs from Geneva. The highlight of the weekend - apart from the huge drone show due to take place between 10 and 10.30pm every night - will most certainly be the roller disco event, which will take place on the Mont Blanc Bridge between noon and 4pm on April 21 - the bridge itself will be closed to drivers during the event.
For refreshments, a large tent will be set up, offering local Genevan food, beer and wine. The venue will also host a giant Jass tournament - the traditional Swiss card game.
Feu Ô Lac to host soapbox and paddleboard races
Finally, for the more sport-inclined, the event will offer a great number of different sporting activities. Along with cycling, a paddleboarding race on the lake and a “tennis village”, the event will play host to a traditional soapbox race on the Avenue de France.
For more information about all the exciting things happening in Geneva on Ascension, check out the official website.
Thumb image credit: Shutterstock.com / Vincent_Nguyen
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Jan studied History at the University of York and Broadcast Journalism at the University of Sheffield. Though born in York, Jan has lived most of his life in Zurich and has worked as a journalist, writer and editor since 2016.
While he has plunged head-first back into life in Switzerland since returning to the country in 2020, he still enjoys a taste of home at pub quizzes and karaoke nights.Read more