Video. "We try to get as many people as possible excited and singing along": Summer in Pau returns in force for its 44th edition

This Thursday, July 17, at the Théâtre de Verdure in Pau, nearly 3,800 people attended the second evening of the ^44th edition of L'Été à Pau. SUN electrified the audience before the arrival of the Tambours du Bronx

On July 17th, the atmosphere was already electric in the alleys of Beaumont Park in Pau. Barely past 8 p.m., a long line of festival-goers stretched through the trees, almost leaving the park. The concert didn't start until 9 p.m., but the anticipation was palpable. Some discussed the program loudly, others sipped drinks on the grass while waiting for the concert to open.

This Thursday marks the second evening of the ^44th edition of L'Été à Pau . The day before, the festival opened with pop and electro sounds from St Graal and Julien Granel. That evening, the atmosphere changes radically: SUN and Les Tambours du Bronx announce a high-voltage metal evening.

As soon as the gates opened, the Théâtre de Verdure filled up quickly. The most motivated fans rushed to the front row. Jess and Flora wouldn't have missed this evening for the world: "We came especially for SUN," they said. "I'm from Tours; it's my first time in Pau," added Flora. "We'd never been here, but honestly, it's a beautiful city." Around them, the looks were polished: band T-shirts, tattoos, piercings, and sequins. People sat in the stands, lounged on the grass, ordered a beer, and waited for the concert to begin. "I love the spirit of the festival," smiled Mélissa. She added, "It's a good vibe; there's joy, good humor, and a little bit of madness."

Around 9 p.m., the lights shine on the stage. SUN appears, electric guitar in hand, wearing a dazzling blue and white dress. From the first notes, she imposes her style: powerful sounds, catchy melodies. She calls it "brutal pop"; a blend of pop and metal that has already allowed her to open for Metallica and Shaka Ponk. The energy is immediate. The songs flow one after the other, intense and well-paced. On stage, she moves, challenges, and plays with the audience. The Théâtre de Verdure reacts, between screams and applause.

“I’m super happy to be here. I’ve been hearing about the festival for a long time. The setting is magnificent.”

Before going on stage, she confided: "I'm super happy to be here. I've been hearing about the festival for a long time. The setting is magnificent. Now I can't wait to send out some brutal pop!" A promise kept. At the end of one of her songs, she raised her fist: "Bravo Pau, you really rocked it!"

At 10:30 p.m., the Tambours du Bronx are getting ready to take the stage. Fifteen percussionists, metal drums, bright lights: their show promises to be massive. The Théâtre de Verdure is sold out. A staff member says aside: "There are 3,800 people. We're at capacity, it's a resounding success." The crowd remains dense, attentive, ready to take on what's next.

Among them, Jérôme, who is discovering the festival this year, is won over: “I came this evening for the Tambours du Bronx, but I’m coming back tomorrow for Sergent Garcia, and the day after tomorrow for Groundation.”

And he'll have plenty to do. The rest of the program is as rich as it is varied: salsa, reggae, electro-pop, brass bands, French song... July 19: David Cairol and Groundation. July 23, it's family time with L'Été des Mômes. July 24, "100% Radio Live" evening with Boulevard des Airs, Trois Cafés Gourmands, Diva Faune and Malo'. July 25: MPL and Technobrass. And the festival will continue until August 2.

Behind this ambitious menu, Edwige Larralde is watching over it. Responsible for the festival's programming, she maintains a clear line: "It's an eclectic program, faithful to the festival's DNA. When I put it together, I try to speak to all audiences. We try to get as many people as possible excited and singing, so that everyone can find something to enjoy for one evening or ideally several."

The gamble seems to have paid off. "On Wednesday, we were playing pop with Julien Granel, this Thursday, metal with SUN and the Tambours du Bronx, and Friday will be more salsa," she explains. "There are a lot, a lot of people. Some come to the venue even if they don't have tickets, since we sometimes release seats at the last minute. Don't hesitate."

The only slight drawback noted by some festival-goers: the long lines for drinks. "It's a shame, but it doesn't spoil the evening," said Jeanne and Simon, who came from Bagnères-de-Bigorre. Otherwise, the festival lived up to its promise: a magical venue, a bold lineup, and a loyal audience. The 44th edition of Summer in Pau is well and truly underway.