From 5 to 7 July 2019, as every year the heart of the Citadel of Arras will beat to the rhythm of Main Square Festival. For three days, the biggest names on today’s international scene will attract a diverse crowd for the biggest musical event north of Paris. In other words, a succession of concerts making for an unrivalled atmosphere. After Radiohead, Depeche Mode and Muse, Sting Black Eyed Peas and Twenty one Pilot will set Arras alight.
Two stages, a million spectators, zero sound feedback
With an average of 125,000 spectators over three days, Arras Main Square Festival is the foremost musical event north of Paris.
Initially staged on Arras’s Grand’Place (2004-2009), Main Square has now moved to the Citadel of Arras.
The symbolic threshold of one million spectators was passed in 2017
Every summer, fans from across Europe invade this UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed open-air venue. The two stages have hosted the biggest names on the international pop and rock scene, including Radiohead, Depeche Mode, Lenny Kravitz, Metallica, Sting and Muse. As acknowledged by the stars themselves, the success of the event owes as much to the magnificence of the venue as to its incredible acoustics.
A festival of services
Free car park linked by a continuous shuttle service, the option of camping close to the festival, a simplified booking system, secure access controls, systematic distribution of ear plugs: Arras Main Square Festival is focused on efficiency.
But also on modernity, with cashless technology. Accessible via a bracelet with an integrated chip or via a smartphone app, this electronic wallet system dematerialises payments (food and drink, goodies etc.) At the same time, the presence of SafeBoxes (clever lockers with an integrated smartphone charger) means festival-goers can keep their personal belongings safe. Leaving them to enjoy the festival unencumbered.
Main Square Festival, in practice
- First weekend of July.
- https://mainsquarefestival.fr