So Frenchy So Chic 2024: bolder, brighter, and even better

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Calling all lovers of French culture, music, gastronomy, and style: tickets are now on sale for the So Frenchy So Chic 2024, which promises to be its biggest and most vibrant program to date.

So Frenchy So Chic 2024

For over a decade, SFSC (as it’s affectionately known) has been connecting France and Australia through an annual day-long celebration of the joie de vie, featuring contemporary French music, culinary delights, fashion, conviviality, and, of course, plenty of champagne. For everything you need to know about this must-attend event, read on.

So Frenchy So Chic 2024: a celebration of French culture

So Frenchy So Chic is more than just a music festival; it’s a full immersion into the French way of life. In 2024, the festival returns to the historic Werribee Park Mansion in Melbourne, and welcomes a new venue at Centennial Park, Sydney where the party continues. It’s a chance to be your chicest self in a relaxed and convivial setting suitable for all ages (kids under 12 get in for free!) Here, you can immerse yourself in the best of French culture without the need for a plane ticket.

 

So Frenchy So Chic 2024’s stellar lineup

The beating heart of So Frenchy So Chic 2024 lies in its extraordinary lineup of artists, a diverse ensemble poised to offer a captivating musical experience that will resonate with every festival-goer. These are the artists announced today:

  • La Femme: Captivating French psych-rock sensation, La Femme has spent over a decade mesmerizing global audiences with their cinematic soundscapes. Under the creative leadership of Marlon Magnée and Sacha Got, they’ve amassed numerous gold records, including the French equivalent of a Grammy for their 2013 debut album, “Psycho Tropical Berlin“.
    So Frenchy So Chic 2024 - La Femme
    Having embarked on extensive tours, including sharing the stage with the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2016, they are currently concluding a nearly sold-out tour spanning more than 140 dates across 25 countries. At SFSC 2024, they will present a “best of” repertoire guaranteed to leave the audience in awe.
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  • Kill The Pain: Combining the formidable talents of two remarkable chanteuses, Kill The Pain is the dynamic duo of Australian singer-songwriter Phoebe Killdeer and French vocalist Mélanie Pain, known for her work with Nouvelle Vague.
    So Frenchy So Chic 2024
    Their 2023 self-titled debut album is a thrilling showcase of their diverse abilities, encompassing indie rock with swagger, jangly psych-pop, and soulful electropop with a steely edge. With infectious guitar riffs and seductive percussion, Killdeer and Pain’s smoky voices and delightful chemistry promise to set the stage ablaze with their sonic brilliance.
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  • Laure Briard: Enigmatic Gallic singer-songwriter, Laure Briard has recently released her most optimistic album. Entitled “Ne pas trop rester bleue“, it was inspired by her sojourns in California’s Joshua Tree. Her interpretation of country music is gentle, idiosyncratic, and romantic, infused with touches of psychedelia and soul.

    Drawing comparisons to iconic artists such as Françoise Hardy, Cate Le Bon, and Aldous Harding, Briard’s music offers a sun-soaked, dreamy soundscape, invoking a sense of wanderlust and nostalgia. You may remember her song “Sur la piste de danse” from the 2017 SFSC compilation.
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  • Malo’: Born to a French musician father, the effervescent singer-songwriter Malo’ brings a vibrant blend of influences to the SFSC stage. A fan of French legends like Serge Gainsbourg, he visited Australia as a teenager and fell in love with Australian indie sensation Angus and Julia Stone. Malo’ embodies a harmonious fusion of musical worlds. A full-circle moment occurred when Julia Stone featured on Malo’s “Pause” EP last year, which showcases elements of gospel, Motown, rock, soul, and pop.

    His recent track, “Laisse-toi tranquille“, enjoyed significant airplay on French radio, and his sunny energy promises to be a delightful addition to SFSC 2024.

 

The 2024 lineup promises to be the festival’s biggest yet with more exciting artist announcements in the pipeline for 1 December.

 

Gastronomic Delights at So Frenchy So Chic 2024

Prepare your taste buds for a gastronomic journey like no other. So Frenchy So Chic 2024 will feature Melbourne and Sydney’s finest dining establishments, including Frédéric, Hotel Gitan, Loulou, and Bouillon Entrecôte.

So Frenchy So Chic 2024

Indulge in a curated selection of French classics, from duck liver parfait to oysters and mussels, from steak frites sandwiches and croque monsieur to ratatouille. For the sweet tooths, choose from brioches, crepes, chocolate eclairs, and macarons. As always, you can pre-order cheese and charcuterie platters.

 

Don’t forget to pair your culinary adventure with a sommelier-curated collection of French and local wines, cocktails, and Champagne from Lanson, one of France’s oldest champagne houses.

 

Activities & workshops at So Frenchy So Chic 2024

So Frenchy So Chic 2024 sees the addition of new activities and workshops au programme for all attendees to enjoy. Explore the world of wines with Melbourne icon France-Soir’s ex-sommelier, discover the art of ceramics in a hands-on studio experience, or compete in a grand pétanque tournament with fantastique prizes. For les petits, there will be arts and crafts, face painting, magic and mime classes, and an introduction to music.

So Frenchy So Chic 2024

Even better, all of these workshops and activities are included in your general admission ticket. Plus, there are more surprises to be announced on 1 December 2023.

 

Celebrate fashion & style at So Frenchy So Chic 2024

So Frenchy So Chic isn’t just about music and food; it’s also about style. Embrace Parisian elegance and sophistication with your outfit, and you might just catch the eye of the roaming festival photographer. The top three best-dressed individuals will each win a Lanson Black Label Champagne Brut Magnum 1.5L!

So Frenchy So Chic 2024

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of France right without leaving Australia. So Frenchy So Chic 2024 promises an unforgettable day filled with music, food, fashion, and culture that will transport you to the enchanting streets of France. Grab your tickets, put on your chicest outfit, and get ready for a day of joie de vivre!

 

KEY INFO FOR SO FRENCHY SO CHIC 2024

WHAT: A celebration of French music, food and culture

WHERE & WHEN:

Melbourne: Sunday, January 14, 2024, 11:15 AM to 8:00 PM at Werribee Park Mansion

Sydney: Saturday, January 20, 2024, 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM at Centennial Park

HOW: Purchase your tickets via the SFSC website

HOW MUCH: Ticket prices (exclusive of booking fee) are as follows:

  • Limited Early Bird Tickets: $75
  • Group Ticket (Buy 6 for the Price of 5): $62.50 per person
  • Kid’s Tickets: Free entry for kids under 12 years
  • Student Tickets: $65
  • Teenager Tickets: $25
  • Premiere Pique Nique – Group Tickets for 10: $199 per person (includes a table with picnic décor, champagne, charcuterie and cheese hampers, and prime location)

 

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Pop the champagne and start your Bastille Day celebrations early at Bastille Day Melbourne 2023 this weekend

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Bastille Day Melbourne 2023 is on in a new location, at Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market this weekend. They invite you to swap your beanie for a béret and celebrate all things French in Melbourne. Read on to find out everything you can eat, drink and experience at Bastille Day Melbourne 2023.

Bastille Day Melbourne 2023

FOOD & WINE

A French festival wouldn’t be complete without a tempting array of food stalls selling French cuisine and some French wine or even some champagne.

 

On the Rue des bistrots you’ll find:

  • Le Gourmet Lemon
  • Frencheese
  • Orléans Mussels & Chips
  • Long Paddock Cheese
  • Posh Brioche
  • France at Home
  • La Truffière
  • A Taste of Paris
  • Saucissons by La Bastide

 

 

In Le Café you’ll find stalls from:

  • Motte
  • Kanelle Pâtisserie
  • PEUGEOT Australia
  • Park Lane Coffee
  • La Louche Crêperie
  • Choukette

 

 

Le Bar will quench your thirst with stalls from:

  • Festival Bar
  • Champagne Philippe Fournier
  • Grand Cru and Mates
  • Mind Spirits & Co.
  • Bordeaux and Beyond

 

FREE EVENTS AT BASTILLE DAY MELBOURNE 2023

On the programme are lots of free events as well as some paid ticketed events so there’s something at Bastille Day Melbourne 2023 for every budget. Among the free entertainment, you’ll find mime, dance, musical and circus performers on the Main Stage as well as roving throughout the festival grounds. Musicians Noria and the Parisians, Philippe the Accordionist, Vive la Différence, and Zilwa Tribe , Moogy & The Avant-Guardians, and Boum! Meringue will get you up and dancing. You can witness the skill of can can dancers both on the main stage and roving throughout the Queen Victoria Market sheds at Bastille Day Melbourne 2023.

Pre-schoolers and primary students can learn some circus skills courtesy of The French Circus School. You can even learn some French with free 30 minute classes led by the Alliance Française de Melbourne!

 

LE SHOPPING

There are also plenty of French and French-inspired products for you to buy at Bastille Day Melbourne 2023 this weekend. Stall-holders include:

  • Babel Books
  • Beju French Jewellery
  • Belite and Today is a good day
  • French Beauty Co.
  • Language International Bookstore
  • Susan Kerlan Illustrations
  • Zoé & Chloé and Co.

 

BASTILLE DAY MELBOURNE 2023 TICKTETED PROGRAM

We’ve divided the Bastille Day Melbourne 2023 program into talks, masterclasses and the walking tour.

 

TALKS AT BASTILLE DAY MELBOURNE 2023

At Bastille Day Melbourne 2023, there are talks about a diverse range of topics including the Olympic Games, art, fashion and the environment.

MASTERCLASSES AT BASTILLE DAY MELBOURNE 2023

There are also masterclasses where you can get involved and learn about fragrance, mime, fashion, cheese and wine and French spirits.

  • Masterclass: All Things French with Fragrance Hosted by fashion doyenne Christine Barro, you will be delighted with stories on the heroes of Haute Couture and expert instruction on the selection of a signature French scent, enjoyed with French champagne and festive macarons.
  • Masterclass: Mime by mime artist Rod Lara Learn all the techniques of becoming a mime from Rod Lara who has 24 years experience. It’s particularly special as this year marks 100 years since the birth of Marcel Marceau
  • Masterclass: A Taste of France – Cheese & Wine Enjoy an exquisite pairing of five artisan cheeses carefully curated by Gaetan from Long Paddock Cheese, accompanied by five glasses of meticulously selected wines by Ana from Voila Wine and Co.
  • Masterclasss: Tour de France of Spirits Led by Brieuc from Cerbaco, this immersive experience delves into the history, production techniques, and tasting notes, allowing you to deepen your knowledge and appreciation for the art of Cognac and Armagnac.
  • Masterclass: The Secrets of French Style – A Blue Illusion styling masterclass hosted by globe-trotting Catriona Rowntree and Blue Illusion’s founder and creative director, Donna Guest. They introduce you to their new ‘travel capsule’ collaboration; as well as share their tips and techniques of how to adopt your own unique sense of style, à la Française.

Bastille Day Melbourne 2023

WALKING TOUR AT BASTILLE DAY MELBOURNE 2023

Bouygues Walking Tour: French Icons of Melbourne Discover Melbourne through a French eye. Be prepared to walk a little and enjoy a few French touches along the way… L’Occitane… Christine… La Belle Miette… All senses awaken!!!! The tour will end with a glass of sparkling at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins in the Atrium Bar.

 

ONLINE PROGRAM

They also have an online program so if you can’t join them in person, you can join them online for a range of live crosses to France, in conversations, musical delights and more!

 

You can view the online program via this link

KEY INFO FOR BASTILLE DAY MELBOURNE 2023

WHAT: Bastille Day Melbourne 2023

WHERE: Queen Victoria Market, Sheds C & D

WHEN: 9am to 4pm on both Saturday 8 July and Sunday 9 July 2023

HOW: Just show up – or if you’re interested in a ticketed event, book you place ASAP via the relevant links above so you don’t miss out

HOW MUCH: Free entry, lots of free entertainment and some ticketed events, the price of which varies depending on the event. Plenty of French food and drinks to be purchased also.

 

For other events with French links happening in Melbourne, and all of Australia this month, check out our What’s on in July article

And if you’re looking for more Bastille Day celebrations, take a look at our Bastille Day 2023 article

 

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