The 2024 Telethon in France will break tradition by occurring on November 29-30, a week earlier than usual, due to the inauguration of Notre-Dame Cathedral on December 7. This marks the first calendar change since the event’s inception in 1987. With Mika as the new godfather, the Telethon aims to continue its mission to raise funds for rare genetic disease research, striving to surpass last year’s record of over 92 million euros in donations.
For many years, the Telethon has been a cornerstone of solidarity in France, captivating audiences across the nation. This cherished event typically occurs on the first weekend of December, rallying countless volunteers, presenters, and celebrities to gather funds for research into rare genetic disorders. However, in an unprecedented move, the 2024 Telethon will not follow its usual schedule. Organizers have announced changes due to a significant national event, prompting a shift in the Telethon’s timeline.
Traditionally held in early December, the 2024 Telethon will take place on November 29 and 30, featuring Mika as its godfather, marking a significant departure from its customary date. Laurence Tiennot-Herment, President of the Telethon in Le Mans, shared, “For the first time, the Telethon will be celebrated in November. Our dedicated volunteers are working tirelessly to ensure this exceptional event is a success across France. Now more than ever, we need your support on November 29 and 30 to stand with us in our fight for families awaiting treatments!“
What Led to the Rescheduling of Telethon 2024?
The Telethon is an eagerly awaited event each year, yet in 2024, a significant occurrence in France necessitated this schedule change. A prominent moment—the inauguration of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris—is set for early December. Following its devastating fire in 2019, the cathedral’s reconstruction has finally reached fruition, culminating in a ceremonial opening on the weekend of December 7, 2024.
This grand inauguration is expected to capture the attention of millions around the globe, with extensive celebrations planned. A televised opening ceremony is anticipated to be nothing short of spectacular, with a full week of festivities scheduled afterward. The Telethon, on its regular dates, could have faced the risk of being overshadowed by this monumental occasion.
Preparations for Telethon 2024 Are Underway!
The Telethon is a large-scale event that involves extensive collaboration among television networks and thousands of volunteers from coast to coast. Despite the new schedule, the fundraising activities, events, and challenges planned in various regions will proceed as before. With 30 hours of live coverage on France Télévisions, Mika will take over from Vianney as this year’s celebrity sponsor. Although he had previously declined due to scheduling conflicts, the renowned singer has finally committed to championing the 38th edition of the Telethon.
With this new timeline and a fresh celebrity sponsor, there is hope that this year’s event will surpass last year’s remarkable achievement of over 92 million euros in donations collected by AFM, a milestone not reached since 2015!