MONTGOLFIÈRES UNVEILS 40TH EDITION PROGRAM

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, May 16, 2023

To mark its 40th edition, the International de montgolfières de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu hot-air balloon festival, in collaboration with the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, has unveiled an exciting new program for this year's event, which will take place from Friday, August 11 to Sunday, August 13, and from Thursday, August 17 to Sunday, August 20. Festival-goers will be treated to two extended weekends of music, wonder, hot-air balloons and activities. New features will be introduced this year, adding to the event's festive atmosphere. 

 
"I'm thrilled to be a part of this exceptional festival, which this year features a varied lineup of talent to entertain and amaze you. I can't wait to share these unique moments with you and to see the smiles on your faces. Get ready to laugh, dance, sing and feel the thrill. This festival will leave you with a lifetime of memories," said the festival's spokesperson Mathieu Dufour. 
 
HOT-AIR BALLOONS – Attracting families and individuals in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu for 40 years, hot-air balloons capture the imagination with their colours and  ability to soar through the air almost as if by magic. This year's event will feature a host of colourful hot-air balloons, including 13 special shapes. After dark, don't miss Nuits magiques, a night show where grounded hot-air balloons light up in all their splendour. Held on August 11, 12, 18 and 19.  
 
At the take-off field, festival-goers will be plunged into an enchanting universe, surrounded by balloons taking to the skies. Reservations are now open for those whose bucket list includes taking to the skies. 
 
SCÈNE 40E LOTO-QUÉBEC – Participants will be able to move to the rhythm of a broad program, offering a mix of international, Canadian and Québec artists. There's something for everyone, and it's guaranteed to be festive! The lineup includes CeeLo Green, best known for his songs "Crazy" and "Forget You," who will get the crowd moving with his talent and contagious energy. Also on tap is Bebe Rexha, with her powerful voice and captivating stage presence. Look for an unforgettable performance from this singer whose hit singles include "Meant to Be" and "I'm a Mess." Miami rapper Rick Ross will bring his legendary flow and charisma to the stage. 
 
The Québec music scene will also be well represented with Marie-Mai, one of Québec's most popular singers, who will set the stage ablaze with her catchy hits. Our spokesperson, comic Mathieu Dufour, will bring a touch of lightness with his frank, hilarious humour. Les Cowboys fringants, famous for their engaging, festive songs, are also expected on stage, as is Montréal rapper Koriass, ready to fire up the crowd with his incisive lyrics and charismatic presence. Roxane Bruneau, Bleu Jeans Bleu, Patrice Michaud and Sara Dufour will get the crowds dancing with their enormous talent. And for the younger crowd, Clay and Friends, Souldia, Jay Scott, Claudia Bouvette, DJ Karaba and Pelch will bring a fresh touch with their lively music and rhythms. With such a varied and talented lineup, the festival promises to be an unforgettable musical experience. 
 
SCÈNE DESJARDINS - The International Balloon Festival is proud to present the Scène Desjardins, a stage brimming with talented eclectic artists who represent the finest of the new generation of musicians and DJs and who are sure to captivate audiences with their electrifying performances. They include dee holt, Ouri, Jordann, Simon Lachance, Emma Beko, Madiba King, Anyma and Pøptrt. These last two are Aboriginal artists renowned for their contemporary sound. Also performing will be Marie-Gold, Sophia Bel, Thierry Larose, De Flore, Lou-Adriane Cassidy and Milk & Bone, the latter being a Montréal group that won the Juno award for "Electronic Album of the Year" in 2019. Together, these artists offer festival-goers a unique program reflecting our musical and cultural richness. 
 
EXCLUSIVE PRE-SALE – On May 16, all subscribers to the festival newsletter will have exclusive access to the box office, as well as discounts on tickets and passports. Then, on May 17, the box office will be open to the general public. Those wishing to take advantage of pre-sales must subscribe to the International Balloon Festival newsletter. 
 
BIG NEW FEATURE –This year's edition is offering participants an all-new premium experience with the Terrasse Fonds de solidarité FTQ, featuring an unobstructed view of the 40e Loto-Québec stage. The terrace will include an exclusive food and beverage concession, as well as a number of amenities. This premium experience can be added to your passport. 
 
"The Fonds de solidarité FTQ is proud to be associated with the International de montgolfières de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu hot-air balloon festival, as we are also celebrating our 40th anniversary. What attracted us to this event is its dynamism and commitment to reducing its environmental impact. For the Fonds, taking up our environmental challenges is more than an ambition, it's a conviction that guides our actions every day," said Diane Lafontaine, Vice-President, Communications and Marketing, Fonds de solidarité FTQ. 
 
THE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE – This year's edition of the International Balloon Festival will offer all manner of memorable activities and experiences.  Alée gourmande (gourmet alley) will feature an enhanced and diversified culinary offering, with something for everyone. Located right next to the Desjardins stage, the SAQ bistro will be back, with its friendly, convivial layout, so audiences can enjoy the electrifying musical atmosphere with a drink in hand. There will also be product predentations, including Amarula, a uniquely flavoured liqueur. A fun area will be set up on the grounds featuring inflatables, rides, giant games and exploration areas, including a large pool of water on which kids can explore on their own pedal boats. The area will also have a sports corner with ping-pong tables and spikeball nets, balloon racing, a slackline and more. 
 
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – Building on its 2022 project to electrify its operations and which was a finalist at the Gala de l'Excellence de La Chambre de commerce et de l'industrie du Haut-Richelieu, the festival is continuing its momentum by working on a concrete sustainable development action plan. In 2023, the festival is working with Cupko, a Montréal-based company and Québec's leading supplier of reusable products for events, festivals and restaurants. As such, only reusable glasses will be used by the bar concessions on site. The festival is also in the process of obtaining certification for the BNQ standard for responsible event management,  which gives event organizers, service providers, participants and users an opportunity to collaborate on creating events with a limited environmental footprint and increased economic and social benefits for communities. 
 
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL DE MONTGOLFIÈRES DE SAINT-JEAN-SUR-RICHELIEU 
The International de montgolfières de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu is Canada's largest balloon festival. Combining music and the wonder of flight, it is one of Québec's most important events, thrilling festival-goers to the rhythm of a wide-ranging musical program, while allowing them to experience the wonder of hot-air ballooning in all its facets. 
  International de montgolfières harmonizes the various aspects of the experience so that they are perfectly aligned, thus creating memorable moments for festival-goers and their entourage. 

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