Headingley's French Festival- La Guinguette

Bookings are obligatory.

La Petite Ecole ( Leeds) CIC is a French supplementary school which supports all Francophone children in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

All benefits are reinvested in the community and will contribute to our school's projects and scholarship fund.

I.S.F, clown aujourd'hui (All public):

I.S.F, Clowne Aujourd’hui” is an immersive, funny, and musical performance that invites us to explore the theme of exile with humor. Who better than a clown to address a serious subject while also bringing a smile to our faces? This show provides an opportunity to laugh, reflect, and question our own experiences.

Chantier collectif:

Patricia began writing I.S.F in Calais in 2017, just after the dismantling of the Jungle. Driven by an urgency to bear witness and make the invisible visible in the media, she continued her writing process in collaboration with Gilles Defacque at the Théâtre du Prato in Lille, Leeds's twin city. It was there that a Creole chant emerged from ISF’s mouth. In 2019, Patricia decided to travel to the island of Réunion, her ancestral homeland, to further her research and writing. She met with ethnologist Jeanne Heurtault, a specialist in Réunion Island, as well as musicians and Yellow Vests activists. Through her exploration, she came to understand that slavery, exile, and the dominance of the North over the South form the foundations of this island’s history. Her intention is to offer this testimony through I.S.F

Gaël Octavia is a French writer, playwright, film director, and painter. She was born on December 29, 1977, in Fort-de-France, Martinique, and currently resides in Paris. Her work spans novels, poetry, theater, and short stories, and she has also created several short films. Inspired by Martinican society, Gaël Octavia’s texts explore themes such as family, identity, and the female condition.

In her literary works, she delves into universal topics including the experiences of migrants, social exclusion, identity, family dynamics, and the role of women. Gaël Octavia’s debut text, Le Voyage, was read by Greg Germain in Avignon in 2003. She has received several awards for her subsequent works, including the Prix Beaumarchais/Etc_Caraïbes in 2013 for her play Cette guerre que nous n’avons pas faite and the Prix Wepler in 2017 for her first novel, La fin de Mame Baby. Additionally, she has published short stories, poetry, and plays, showcasing her diverse talents.

Her latest novel, La bonne histoire de Madeleine Démétrius, released in early October 2020, tells the story of an author of light-hearted “chick lit” novels. Madeleine Démétrius, a single mother in her forties living in Paris, reconnects with a childhood friend from Martinique, who shares a captivating tale for her to turn into a book. Through this narrative, Gaël Octavia reflects on her own role as a writer, deconstructs the myth of the “potomitan” woman from the Caribbean, and offers a tenderly ironic exploration of female relationships—whether friendly, familial, or sororal—revealing that life is always more complex than it appears.

Cocobamboo is an great French Caribbean orchestra that brings together talented musicians from both Guadeloupe and Martinique. As true ambassadors of the French Caribbean, they have graced stages around the world, including performances at French Embassies. Their vibrant and soulful music pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean islands.

Their performances honor legends like Kassav, La Compagnie Créole, Malavoi, and Zouk Machine. Whether it’s the infectious rhythms of zouk, the sensuality of samba, or the captivating sounds of bossa nova, Cocobamboo delivers an unforgettable musical experience.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Shire Oak CE Primary School, Wood Lane Headingley Leeds LS6 2DT, Leeds, United Kingdom