Usually peaceful, the small town of Lys-Haut-Layon, between Cholet and Saumur (Maine-et-Loire) will experience a very hectic weekend. Nearly 10,000 revelers are indeed expected from this Friday to participate in the “multi-sounds”, a kind of big legal rave party, which is held until Sunday on a vast agricultural land. Some 500 musicians from 80 collectives are programmed, spread over 20 stages. After two years of illegal free parties in the same sector, the new organizers wanted to do things the right way.
Free access, the event is declared in the prefecture, which validated it. A “confidential” rent is paid to the owner. A traffic plan and a car park have been designed, in conjunction with the gendarmerie. Many toilets and waste collection points are provided. And original compensation has even been thought out for the nearest residents: they can be relocated during the event. It must be said that the noise pollution promises to be very significant: 45 hours of sound pushed to the bottom, including at night.
Three days of camping by the sea
“We are well aware of the noise disturbance caused. We therefore made the same proposal to 18 families residing about 800 m from the site: they can spend the nights in a gîte, a hotel or a campsite at our expense. We are open to everything, it is to be discussed on a case-by-case basis. It’s a pragmatic solution, we didn’t want them to find themselves up against the wall,” explains Victor Lacroix, president of Media’sonco-organizing association with Freeform and Techno+.
Attractive on paper, this unusual offer received a mixed reception. Thursday, only one household had chosen to desert its accommodation for the weekend. “This is a family who had not had the opportunity to go on vacation this summer and wanted to spend three days in a mobile home at a campsite in Le Croisic (Loire-Atlantique). We pay for the stay. ” Worried by the massive arrival of partygoers, the other owners did not follow up. “Some of the residents are apprehensive and do not wish to leave their accommodation unoccupied, confirms Victor Lacroix. Our proposal still stands. We will do our best to respond to late requests if there are any. »
Some 350 volunteers will be present this weekend on the site to supervise the event. Which is not intended to be renewed in the same place next year. “Out of respect for the inhabitants, we will look for another place, promises Victor Lacroix. And if we don’t find it, there will be nothing. We want the free party movement to be able to express itself. But this must be done by trying to satisfy the greatest number. »