During concerts, spectators keep an eye on their phones “to see Léon Marchand’s results”

The world music festival takes place at the Théâtre de la Mer in Sète. Even in the middle of a concert, some people are not willing to completely disconnect from the Games. The festival’s founder also believes that sport and culture should not be separated.

It is a breathtaking place, on the side of a rock, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, with 17th century fortifications. The Fiest’A Sète world music festival takes place until Sunday, August 4 at the Théâtre de la Mer in Sète, in Hérault. For the occasion, the stage turns its back to the sea, while the spectators face it. In order to fully enjoy the concerts, Louis and Mireille, 79 and 76 years old, never forget an essential accessory. “With our slightly fragile buttocks, we are used to coming with a cushion,” Louis jokes. “When you want to enjoy the show, you shouldn’t put anything aside”confirms Mireille. The two retirees are regulars at Fiest’A Sète, but Louis confesses that on Wednesday evening, he was a little less attentive than usual. “We were looking at the phone to see if Léon Marchand had won the two finals, he confirms. Culture and sport can be married, associated. The two areas certainly do not represent the same vibrations, but when you like something, you vibrate!”

Feeling excited while listening to a concert, feeling excited while watching Léon Marchand swim, art and sport have more similarities than you might think. “Artists are also athletes in a way, especially in certain types of music, assures José Bel, the founder of Fiest’A Sète. When musicians finish a concert, they are sweating, exhausted. There are very strong links between the two fields.

“When Kylian Mbappé makes an extraordinary footballing move, there is an aesthetic sensation.”

José Bel, founder of Fiest’A Sète

to franceinfo

For the founder of Fiest’A Sète, José Bel, this feeling “Everyone feels it, whether they are cultured or not.” Perhaps because art, like sport, allows us to share unforgettable moments in unison.