Sawt Falasteen - France presses ahead with street music festivals despite extreme heat

Every year on June 21, musicians take over France, filling bars, street corners and rooftops as revellers celebrate the start of summer -- as measured by the summer solstice -- late into the night.

This year, however, the Fete de la Musique coincides with a ferocious heatwave, with a record 35 departments -- roughly a third of the country -- placed under the highest heat alert.

Weather service Meteo-France warned that temperatures could reach as high as 41C in some places.

While some French cities have cancelled street events, celebrations in others — including Paris, Lyon and Strasbourg — were going ahead.

To minimise health risks and prevent potential disturbances to public order, the government announced a ban on alcohol consumption during the festivities in departments under red alert.

Some Parisians were in favour of the ban.

"I think it's a good thing," said Hailey Infante, 21. "Honestly, it's really hot, and even a drop of alcohol can quickly go to your head."

Nicolas Pilc was more sceptical, saying the measure will have "absolutely no effect".

"Everyone will do whatever they want," said the 48-year-old.

- 2 mn people to party in Paris -

Alcohol consumption will be prohibited in the streets and other public spaces in departments under red alert. Authorities have also instructed that alcohol not be served at state-organised events.

While urging people to limit their alcohol intake, the government said it would be up to local event organisers to adapt festivities.

Bartender Mona Jaffart said her establishment would not be selling takeaway alcohol.

"It'll just be a normal day," she said.

Last year, around two million people attended the festival in Paris alone, many of them travelling from Britain.

To ensure public safety, authorities will deploy 4,800 police officers and gendarmes, along with 2,500 firefighters, in and around the capital.

Gatherings along the lower banks of the Seine will be prohibited to reduce the risk of people falling into the water.

Officials warned about risks linked to swimming, as four teenagers drowned in France on Saturday.

According to AFP estimates, around 53 million people in France will be affected by the heat on Sunday, with a further 45 departments under orange alert.

The number of departments on red alert has reached a record high, surpassing the previous peak of 20 recorded on July 24–25, 2019.

J.Saleh--SF-PST