Since its inception in 1992, the Paris Parade Festival has grown into a prestigious, highly respected and much loved celebratory event for New Year in France. Paris and Chantilly provide the locations for the main events, and their repective Mayors enjoy the role of leading the distinguished panel of patrons and providing support at the very highest level from the French Authorities.

 

While the Grande Parade de Chantilly has been the festival's anchor, the Festival des Musiques du Novel An, formerly the Grande Parade de Paris, has been a moveable feast, having been hosted at various times by Paris Grands Boulevards, Montmartre and Disneyland Paris. The concerts too have enjoyed a number of prestigious venues that have included the Hotel de Ville de Paris, the Mairie du XVIIIeme Arrondissement (Montmartre) and the American Cathedral in Paris.

 

It would be fair to say that the concept of an American style Parade full of razzmatazz was entirely new to the people of Paris and Chantilly back in 1992. It would also be fair to say that they have come to enjoy and appreciate these events so much so, that in a recent pole of the citizens of Chantilly, the Parade was voted their favourite event .... and that's in a town that is renown for its many annual events, including the Prix de Diane (France's most prestigious horserace) and the Nuit de Feu (a firework spectacular - indeed Chantilly hosted the firework world championships last year). In Paris too, their is enormous excitement each year during the build-up to the event, and huge audiences have come to be expected, wherever the Parade's location.

 

Media attention too has grown with the event and over the years we have enjoyed partnerships with France Soir, Le Parisien and Radio Montmartre among others.

 

The 2007/2008 Festival promises to be very special indeed, with a wonderfully diverse range of performing groups from home and abroad, due to take part.