The run up to the 2021 Bastille Day French Festival was alive with anticipation, excitement and energy as a return to live activity had everyone begging for croissants once again. Sadly, on the eve of the festival, the announcement of a COVID lockdown meant much of the program had to be put on hold.
Luckily, with the experience of 2020, the team was able to deliver an (almost) fully digital festival, providing the community with a taste of what French culture in Melbourne can offer through virtual Les Lumiere talks, virtual workshops, short films and musical performances and online exhibits.
We continued to share the best of food, wine, music, art and more via our online program in our monthly newsletter and on social media via our Facebook and Instagram @bastilledaymelbourne.
One of the stars of the 2021 festival was the inclusion of Les Lumières, a series of talks on a range of topics from the quest to reach net-zero carbon emissions, to the truth behind the great French cliché. A boon to the festival’s online program, these panel discussions, debates and opportunities for discovery highlight the richness of French culture in Melbourne and bring a spotlight to the incredible work happening in our community.
Peruse some of the standouts of Les Lumières 2021 below!
