He was the highly anticipated headliner of this 2026 edition and he did not disappoint. This Saturday, June 20, Bénabar delighted the nearly 15,000 spectators gathered on the esplanade des Mariniers, at the port of Roanne, where a large stage was installed for the third year.
An audience from all generations came, with many parents taking the opportunity to introduce their children to the songs that have accompanied their lives.
For more than twenty years, Bénabar has seduced with his texts inspired by everyday life, mixing humor, tenderness and emotion. Once again, he demonstrated all his generosity on stage.
For him, the heat “gives a feeling of vacation”, an observation that the public widely shared. Bénabar was happy to play in Roanne, his in-laws living in Beaujolais. He took advantage of these two days spent in Roanne to (re)discover the vineyards of the Côte Roannaise. It was also an opportunity for him to launch his summer with around twenty upcoming festivals, then a new tour.
Sound of legend, Malaka and Celkilt raised the temperature
The evening began with the exciting performances of Malaka and Celkilt, a large audience of whom was happy to finally be back in the region. Both groups contributed greatly to raising the atmosphere. The young artists from RJT also had the chance to take the big stage to open the festivities. Sounds of Legend concluded the evening in style.
In different districts of Roanne, local associations and artists came together to bring the festival to life. Despite the heat, the public fully enjoyed this “cool” festive moment. Faced with the heatwave, the City had reinforced its system with misters and additional water points. The concerts were also postponed by half an hour so that everyone could fully enjoy this great popular festival. A real success which was unanimous throughout the evening.
