Ibrahim Maalouf and Spinosi will be on stage at the Bout du Monde festival in 2025, in Crozon

This year, the weather has generally been favorable… How do you evaluate this 24th edition?

Jacques Guérin, the director of the Bout du Monde festival in Crozon, stated, “It was an exceptional edition, with beautiful weather and a diverse audience happy to be in this meadow. On Saturday evening, in the presence of Yamê and Zaho de Sagazan, the audience was younger. The headliners delivered excellent performances. These are always choices and risks that we can take. We had reserved Zaho de Sagazan for September 2023, before the Victoires de la Musique. I discovered Yamê in Rennes at the Transmusicales. He is a poet with a strong bond with his musicians. We made some pleasant discoveries with the Latvians Tautumeitas, Imarhan from North Africa, and Lombre. It is a unique, niche project, but the audience was attentive, and it’s a project we have been following for a long time.”

Any suggestions for improvements for next year?

JG: “As I always say, we can’t do more, but we can do better. This year, we focused on waste management and the environment, which is crucial for a site like ours spanning 70 hectares. On the hygiene front, we added more toilet facilities, including dry toilets. When attending a festival for three days, these are essential elements. Even though everything related to hygiene can still be improved.”

Any names to reveal for the 25th edition?

JG: “The Bout du Monde festival will be held on August 1, 2, and 3, 2025. We are maintaining the same capacity of 20,000 entries per day. The first artist confirmed, who previously performed in 2009 and 2014, is Ibrahim Maalouf. He will present his new show “The Trumpets of Michel-Ange” on August 1. The second project, making its debut at our festival, is the Matheus ensemble, led by Jean-Christophe Spinosi. This ensemble consists of around twenty musicians, including strings and brass, merging classical and unconventional rock. We also have a third project, yet to be confirmed, involving a British pop rock group. Confirmation is expected by September. It’s an exciting project. If confirmed, it will be a first.”

How do you envision your role as the festival director in the future?

JG: “Everything happens in its due time. I am giving myself another three years to streamline things. However, there will come a moment for a transition, as one must know how to pass the torch. I am fortunate to have a fantastic team supporting me. Yet, inevitably, it won’t be easy.”

This year, the weather has generally been on your side… What is your assessment of this 24th edition?

Jacques Guérin, director of the Bout du Monde festival in Crozon, reflects on the successful 24th edition of the festival. He describes it as an exceptional edition, with magnificent weather and an intergenerational audience that was delighted to be in attendance. Guérin highlights the younger audience on Saturday evening, particularly in front of artists Yamê and Zaho de Sagazan. The headliners, including these artists, impressed the audience and demonstrated the festival’s ability to take risks and make bold choices in selecting performers.

Guérin mentions some standout performances by artists such as the Latvians Tautumeitas, Imarhan from North Africa, and Lombre. These discoveries added a special and niche flavor to the festival lineup, and the audience responded positively, showing their enthusiasm for new and unique musical experiences.

Any points for improvement for next year?

When asked about potential improvements for the next edition of the festival, Guérin emphasizes the importance of continuous enhancement. While acknowledging the efforts made in areas such as sorting and environmental initiatives, Guérin suggests that there is always room for improvement, particularly in terms of hygiene facilities. He mentions the addition of more toilet blocks and dry toilets this year, focusing on providing a comfortable and clean experience for festival-goers.

Do you have any names to reveal for the 25th edition?

Looking ahead to the 25th edition of the Bout du Monde festival in 2025, Guérin shares some exciting artist announcements. The festival will feature Ibrahim Maalouf, who will present his new show “The Trumpets of Michel-Ange” on August 1. Additionally, the Matheus ensemble, led by Jean-Christophe Spinosi, will make their debut at the festival, bringing a unique blend of classical and rock elements. Guérin also teases a potential performance by a British pop-rock group, pending confirmation in September. These diverse and talented acts promise an eclectic and engaging experience for festival attendees.

How do you see the future as director of this festival?

Guérin reflects on his role as director of the festival and the future ahead. He expresses his commitment to continuing to improve and evolve the festival experience for attendees. While acknowledging the challenges of passing on the baton at some point, Guérin emphasizes the importance of having a strong team and planning for a smooth transition in leadership. As he looks towards the future, Guérin remains optimistic about the festival’s growth and success in the years to come.