This Sunday, the musicians is not going to should make any effort to heat up their viewers. With temperatures anticipated to achieve 40°C in a part of France, the Music festival 2026 guarantees to be sizzling. To the purpose that the query of canceling occasions arises in several cities.
The Minister Delegate accountable for Citizenship, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, indicated on RTL that the Ministry of the Inside remained “involved with the prefectures, the organizers, to have the ability to deploy (…) firefighterscivil safety, to arrange for any eventuality.” Contacted by 20 Minutesa number of prefectures and municipalities reply the identical factor: “We are going to see on a case-by-case foundation. »
Crowd, solar and music, “all of the elements come collectively…”
“All of the elements come collectively to extend the dangers, it’s regular that the query of cancellation arises,” estimates Clément Gaillard, city planner specializing in local weather adaptation. And to make clear: “When the date of the Music Pageant was set for June 21, we imagined a symbolic second to reap the benefits of the beginning of summer season. We did not suppose we might stay in June episodes of extreme heat close to those of the end of July or August. »
Professor Bruno Mégarbane, head of the medical and toxicological intensive care unit on the Lariboisière hospital in Paris, can be frightened about a night which might take a dramatic flip. “We’re in a state of affairs of intense warmth to which we add the music and the festive ambiance. It’s a cocktail meaning we are able to pay attention much less to our physique. »
Along with the excessive temperatures strengthened by a really mineralized city context, the city planner Clément Gaillard recollects the impact of the group which, along with “chopping” the wind, creates warmth. “A stationary particular person releases practically 100 watts. In direct daylight, you obtain round 800 watts in your head. If round you, you have got 3 or 4 individuals who “spit” 150 or 200 watts of warmth, it creates a specific atmosphere which provides to different dangers,” he explains. Throughout a live performance in Rio de Janeiro, a spectator died simply ten minutes after coming into the stadium.
Watch out for delicate audiences
“The human physique should stay at an inner temperature of 37 levels,” explains Professor Bruno Mégarbane. There are a number of methods to eliminate warmth: by radiation, by convection, by sweating. When the atmospheric temperature is above 37, all that continues to be is sweating. »And for this, you need to have enough hydration. Nevertheless, throughout these festive moments, some overlook to hydrate or wrestle to discover a water supply. Alternatively, thealcohol usually flows freely and contributes to dehydration.
Moreover, the very fashionable Fête de la Musique attracts a really massive viewers. Nevertheless, some individuals take treatment or medicine that block sweating. “Remedies aimed on the central nervous system comparable to antidepressants, sure neuroleptics, or a sure variety of medicine supposed for vascular ailments have this impact. That is additionally the case for stimulants like cocaine,” warns Bruno Mégarbane.
Double penalty for rescuers
From sunstroke (complications, fatigue) to heatstroke (inner temperature above 40°C with confusion, convulsions and even coma), everyone seems to be affected. Together with musicians, regulation enforcement who safe the occasion and even the emergency providers themselves.
Failing to cancel the Music Pageant, the practitioner recommends favoring shaded locations. The mayor of Angers, Christophe Béchucanceled a number of overly uncovered occasions. Nonetheless, shade isn’t at all times simple to search out. “The Music Pageant usually takes place within the metropolis the place we do not at all times have a variety of shade opposite to what we’d suppose,” provides Clément Gaillard. There are cellular options comparable to awnings or parasols, however they shield little house and are sometimes costly for organizers. »
Creating shade: the answer of short-term sails
The city planner advocates using excessive winds and particularly shade sails. “With out affecting the air temperature, they permit you to achieve thermal consolation. » An answer that’s making a comeback with world warming as in Rennes or to Toulouse.
Different options: spraying spectators with water lances, as in Hellfest or large followers. “It’s broadly utilized in public areas in the US. They’re roughly one meter excessive and this creates very helpful air flow for mass occasions,” notes Clément Gaillard. Final resolution: transfer the Fête de la Musique to a different interval, much less affected by excessive warmth. “There are festivals which have executed it, for instance in Portugal. » And why not a Music Pageant for the Winter Solstice… December 21?
