The Saumur International Festival of Military Bands () is a bi-annual event organized in the French city of
Saumur
Saumur () is a commune in the Maine-et-Loire department in western France.
The town is located between the Loire and Thouet rivers, and is surrounded by the vineyards of Saumur itself, Chinon, Bourgueil, Coteaux du Layon, etc.. Saumur statio ...
by the Standing Committee of City Celebrations. The festival acts as a
military tattoo, bringing
military bands from the
French Armed Forces
The French Armed Forces (french: Forces armées françaises) encompass the Army, the Navy, the Air and Space Force and the Gendarmerie of the French Republic. The President of France heads the armed forces as Chief of the Armed Forces.
Franc ...
and foreign countries. In 1985, it was conceived to switch the annual flower parade in the city with a festival of
military music. Placed under the patronage of the French and foreign authorities (both in the civil and military sphere) the festival has since invited many countries since its creation. It usually takes place over the course of one weekend in the summer.
Notable participants
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French Foreign Legion Music Band (MLE)
The Music of the Foreign Legion (french: Musique de la Légion étrangère, MLE), formerly known as the Principal Music of the Foreign Legion (french: Musique principale de la Légion étrangère) is a Military band of the French Foreign Legion.
...
(2015)
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Musique de l'Arme Blindée Cavalerie
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United Arab Emirates Armed Forces
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Gardemusik Wien
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Prince’s Band of Carabiniers
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Band of The 1st Brigade Cork
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Symphonic Band and Chorus of the Secretariat of the Navy of Mexico
In 2019, Lieutenant Léa Nzoufa Nze from the
Armed Forces of Gabon became the first woman to conduct a military band at the festival.
External links
Comité des Fêtes de SaumurOffice de Tourisme de SaumurJoyeux Festivaliers de Saumur
References
Recurring events established in 1985
Music festivals in France
Military tattoos
1985 establishments in France
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