Lectoure’s Annual Firework Festival – 4th & 5th September 2009
I know autumn is approaching as it’s almost time for the splendid annual fireworks festival in Lectoure. This event takes place on the first weekend in September, on the Friday and Saturday night. For 2009 the dates for your diary are Friday 4th and Saturday 5th September.
The show will be held on the sports pitch at the Lectoure stadium, just below the town, and there will be free parking. Hot air balloons take flight to mark the start and a traditional communal meal is served on long trestle tables along the tennis courts. The menu usually includes regional specialities such as duck and melon de Lectoure. There will also be bars set up serving drinks, snacks and ice cream as well as stalls for the children with illuminated toys.
The fireworks begin at 9.30pm after a few words from the mayor of Lectoure, Gérard Duclos.This year’s theme for the Friday show is: Once upon a time, Lectoure “La Grande Époque”, and in honour of the bi centenary of his death Maréchal Lannes “Un Anniversaire Illustre”. The fliers for this year’s show describe it as “an evening of history punctuated with gold and diamonds creating a magical moment transporting us through time”.
Saturday’s fireworks also start at 9.30pm after a few words from the mayor. The programme of events for Saturday is: Akouma “everything alight”, Colours and Music from around the world, A voyage through islands in the sun, Special Effects and a Burst of flames.
At 11.30 is the fabulous “Embrasement de la Cite” when the town of Lectoure, seen high above the stadium, is plunged into darkness and then crowned with lights and a firework finale illuminating the ramparts and the cathedral. This is accompanied by rousing music and is always a truly magical sight.
Definitely a date for your diaries!