Yesterday marked the first official day of Le Bazar Roulant! We started the tour in Prés Saint Jean, Alès, and worked with RAIA (Rencontre et Amitié d’Ici et d’Ailleurs) to transform a residential car park into a colourful display of tents, caravans, stages, performances, workshops… During the set up, curious kids on bicycles rode up and asked questions, and adults too were enthusiastic about the event.

Throughout the course of the day, around 350 people passed through the festival. It started at 4pm with different workshops and activities for children. For those with lots of energy, there was an acrobatics workshop, teaching kids how to cartwheel, somersault and juggle (with rice-filled balloons they made themselves). For others, there was a balloon animal workshop, a mask painting activity, paper beads lesson and the presentation of CuiCuis (small, hand-made birds) by Madam’Oiselle.

At the same time, the free market gave parents an opportunity to swap their wares, get rid of pre-loved items, and take things they needed. We also had a crêpe and a pizza caravan (aside from the bar, of course) to satiate small appetites.

Following the workshops, there was an “official unofficial” opening of the Giftbox by “elected members” Jean-François and Véronique, acrobatic performances by Manu and Alain (who emerged from the Givebox, to the delight of watching children), and a one-woman show with a clarinet accompanist.

Givebox

In the afternoon, we left the givebox in the RAIA for the community to use after the event, and started the evening programme with a Soup Kitchen Dinner Recital and an open mike session, with local musicians taking the stage.

When the sun set, we started the short film program, which treated the theme of rebirth and recycling, followed by a fire dancing performance.

Moviemiento Film Screeneing

The day closed with a concert by Sweedish-French band Golden Parapluie, two members of which we worked with during Le Rêve Roulant three years ago, and so a perfect way to end the first event.

Overall it was a beautiful day (the rain cleared at around noon and made way for warm, sunny skies). There was enormous interest from the community, from adults and children alike, and we feel excited and privileged to have worked with the RAIA to bring a cultural and ecological program to Prés Saint Jean.

See you on the 9th in Lasalle!