Paray-le-Monial. Jesus Festival: "This year, we expect to reach 5,500 festival-goers"

The 4th edition of the Jesus Festival is fast approaching. It used to take place at the beginning of July, but this year you've pushed it back to the end of August. Why?

“It’s a big change indeed. Several factors led us to these new dates. First of all, since the first edition in 2022 , it took place on the first weekend of July, and the school year ended just before. And for the public, but especially the volunteers who had children, it was really hard to run the two serenely. We’re taking a measured risk: it’s a test, and we’ll see after the festival whether or not we can maintain these dates for 2026.”

Will the 2025 Jesus Festival conclude Emmanuel's summer sessions?

"Yes. It's also an asset for us, because the teams organizing the Sessions, on the same site, are therefore well-versed by several weeks of gatherings. The machine is rolling and we will also undoubtedly benefit from that. We also realized that for Anglo-Saxon artists, it's easier to find dates in France during this period. For example, the group Rend Collective was on tour in the USA in July and they easily said yes for August, before continuing their tour in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom."

Like the Irish group Rend Collective or the Ivorian Morijah, your program includes artists of international stature. What is your ambition?

"We have ties with the Big Church Festival, held in England and which welcomes around 30,000 people. Without comparing ourselves to this huge event, we would still like to establish the Jesus Festival as the benchmark for Christian music festivals in France. This year, we expect to reach 5,500 festival-goers in Paray . We think we can do even better in the years to come, but that also depends on greater organization and coordination, a different organization of the site, reinforced security. But also elements that are beyond our control, such as accommodation options."

How do you build the programming?

"We have a team that takes care of this around Grégory Turpin. He's a singer who knows the national and international Christian music scene well. The goal is to present renowned artists, and others on the rise, in all styles of music, praise, rap, reggae, Afro, etc. Different styles and tones, to please as many people as possible."

Regarding the organization: without volunteers, no Jesus Festival?

"Absolutely. The organizing association is made up entirely of volunteers! Of course, we call on professionals for the sound and stage parts, for example. But during the three days of the festival, we can count on the energies of 400 volunteers, who come from all over France, of all ages, all social backgrounds, and even all faiths!"

Organizing such an event, with so many artists, comes at a cost. Are you able to break even?

“Our festival is 90% funded by ticket sales. The rest comes from the sale of products and goodies. And we don't receive any subsidies. We exist thanks to festival-goers, whether they are Christian or not. Last year, 10% of festival-goers were not Christian or practicing. Everyone is welcome. In any case, so far, we have already recorded 4,500 reservations!”

Jesus Festival, August 22, 23, and 24, in Paray-le-Monial. More than 20 artists on four stages. Tickets: https://www.billetweb.fr/jesus-festival-2025