The planets seemed aligned for a great success: a program bringing together artists for the moment, in all styles; Perfect weather. The result, in number of entries, is disappointing. The 35th edition of the oldest Associative Rock Festival in Brittany did not pass the 20,000 entries mark, its profitability threshold. According to the first figures, there were 17,500 to reach Malestroit: 7,400 on Friday and 10,100 on Saturday. “It is not good, but it is not the cat that we feared at the start of the week,” says Jean-Paul Dubois, president of the festival organizing association.
Costs that explode
Compared to the record edition of 2023, 8,000 admissions are missing. “There is a economic problem,” said the president. Despite the question of purchasing power, the festival had had no choice but to increase its prices by a few euros. “All our costs explode. We had to take almost 20 % in insurance, security, but also stamps that become exorbitant, ”reacts Jean-Paul Dubois. “This result is disappointing for volunteers who wear out health for the success of the festival”. On the side of Malestroit, time will be on reflection. By also approaching other festivals in the region to analyze the situation with several. “A year is going on, but we can’t hold like that.”
Keep discoveries if …
While disassembly will continue until Thursday, it is probably not before a month that the decision will be made of a 36th edition … or not. In the scale, there will be all the positive of this 35th raw. An incredible mix of generations first. With young people, even very young for Hoshi. Not young people for Miossec. Mix for mass hysteria. “This is our strength. You have to come to the Rock Bridge to see this brewing of generations, ”says the president. Artists happy with the warmth of the public too. Volunteers by the cleat as always. An even safer site with a safety alert device and still welcoming with its wooden decor. Innovations that have found their audiences such as alcohol -free beer, coffee and sweet on catering. Or the return of the tiger marquee for discoveries and regional groups.
What model?
“If we leave, maintain the marquee will be a priority,” analyzes the president, who wants to keep a place for curiosity. For the moment, the priority is to “land” to have a finer view of the financial situation. But APDR for friends is not spared from the difficulties that affect festivals. “What other model? Public money is not for that … the patronage of companies and individuals? “Asks Jean-Paul Dubois. Moment of sharing and local cement, at the Rock Bridge is not at its first storm, but this time the clouds seem more structural.