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Vienne is home to a host of small festivals, some of which are free. Most of them are permanently on the look-out for volunteers to help run the festival and this is an excellent way to meet new people and make friends. 

There are too many to list but here are a few suggestions to give you a taste:

Les Improbables

Les Improbables at the CPA in Lathus-Saint-Rémy from May 29-31 aims to recreate traditional village festivals, with stands and fun activities for all the family along with shows and music. Look out for jousting, juggling, riding displays, acrobatics and clowns. Entrance is free. 

La Voix du Rock

Couhé is hosting La Voix du Rock on June 6-7. This is a mini rock festival with lots of up and coming groups plus food trucks and bars. This year is the festival's 10th anniversary. Tickets are from €29 for one day and €48 for both days.

Jazzellerault 

Jazzellerault in Chatellerault from June 6-13 makes the town swing along with jazz concerts in various venues and even jazz-related cinema.

Le Chant des Grôles

Le Chant des Grôles takes place from June 27-28 in the Parc de Vounant, Vivonne and is a mixed bag of pop/rock, folk and variété française aimed at amusing a family crowd. They are celebrating their 12th anniversary this year.

Read also: From chicken-shaped cabins to alcoholic seafood soup: eight quirky facts about Vienne

Festival Au Fil du Son

Festival Au Fil du Son on July 24-26 in Civray is an eclectic international mix of sounds. Tickets are from €38.50 for one day, €66.30 for two days, and €94.20 for all three days. 

The organisers are promising a completely crazy weekend with music from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s as well as all kinds of surprises, and are asking people to go in fancy dress. 

There will be 20 hours of music, free camping and free off-festival entertainment drawing a massive crowd of young people intent on dancing the days and nights away.

Festivals in August

August gets a double dose of festivals over the same weekend. On August 22-23, chose from the Lezart Festival in Vicq-sur-Gartempe and Montmusic in Montamisé. Both are offering a mixed bag of music styles. 

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