France’s street music festival clashes with record heatwave, with alcohol ban imposed in red-alert areas

PARIS, June 21 — France is set to hold its annual street music festival on Sunday under extreme heat conditions, with about a third of the country placed under the highest-level heat warning and alcohol consumption banned in affected areas.

Each year on June 21, the Fête de la Musique sees musicians performing across streets, bars, rooftops and public spaces as people celebrate into the night.

However, this year’s event coincides with a severe heatwave, with 35 departments placed under a red alert as temperatures are forecast to reach up to 41°C in some regions, according to Meteo-France.

While some cities have cancelled public events, major celebrations in cities such as Paris, Lyon and Strasbourg will still proceed.

To reduce health risks and maintain public order, authorities have imposed a ban on alcohol consumption in red-alert areas.

“Alcohol and high temperatures really do not mix well,” Health Minister Stéphanie Rist told Le Parisien.

Around two million people attended the festival in Paris last year, including many visitors from abroad.

This year, authorities will deploy 4,800 police officers and gendarmes, as well as 2,500 firefighters, across the capital and surrounding areas.

Large gatherings along sections of the Seine have also been prohibited to prevent accidents.

Météo-France estimates that around 53 million people are affected by the heatwave, with another 45 departments under orange alert. The number of red-alert regions is the highest on record, surpassing the previous peak in 2019.

In Nantes, local authorities are offering free access to swimming pools and museums during the heat alert period. — AFP