Aubigny-sur-Nère adopts Scottish fashion. After two editions canceled because of the Covid, the Franco-Scottish celebrations are back. Until Sunday July 17, the city of the Stuarts celebrates its historic friendship with the Scots. On the program: bagpipe concerts, a medieval and Scottish market, camps and wooden games. Several thousand people are expected over the weekend.
Kilts on every street corner
During the Franco-Scottish celebrations, we imagine ourselves in Edinburgh or Glasgow. Especially since a musical instrument invades the streets: the bagpipe, symbol of Scotland. Another thing you can’t escape: men in kilts. Of course, the question is inevitable, are they naked underneath or are they wearing underwear? “So that is the great mystery and it will remain a complete mystery”jokes Christophe, proudly wearing his kilt.
– Justine Claux
But you don’t just find kilts at Franco-Scottish festivals. We also see many other traditional costumes. Peter MacBorrow Fraser, that’s what he calls himself, opted for a medieval outfit. “I am dressed in the colors of the Clan Fraser, as a 17th century Scottish archer”he says.
– Justine Claux
Scottish market and medieval encampments
In Aubigny, there is also a Scottish market. Moreover, Sandrine carefully observes the different types of whisky. This Berrichonne comes every year, especially for the atmosphere. “All this frenzy, it’s extraordinaryshe rejoices. Since the start of the pandemic, there was nothing left, there we have a blast”.
This is confirmed by François Gresset, deputy mayor and organizer of the celebrations: “The atmosphere is great, we find people’s smiles and their joie de vivre, everything we had lost for two years”.
Finally, to end in style, we must not miss medieval camps. There are blacksmiths, cannons and armor from the 14th century. “We really sleep in tents, for a weekend, we live medieval, no electricity, no telephone, nothing at all”assures Géraldine Ropers, member of a company.
– Justine Claux
His company notably offers workshops for the creation of coats of arms. She also organizes historical battle re-enactments.
On the program this Sunday
On the program this Sunday, July 17:
From 9am, a medieval market (place Adrien Arnoux and rue de la Tour), a Scottish market (place de la Résistance), camps, wooden games and basketry (Les Grands Jardins).
At 10 a.m., the French Championship of Pipe Bands, pipe bands (Les Grands Jardins).
At 10 a.m., 1.30 p.m. and 6 p.m., harp concerts (Cour du château).
At 3 p.m., the Grand Parade (departure rue Saint-Anne).
Finally, at 10:30 p.m. a fireworks display (Aubigny ponds).