"Clearly, it was a success": Jazz à Toulon thrills 60,000 spectators for its 35th edition

Six thousand people get up to dance and a day - July 27 - that will remain etched in the memory of all those who came that evening to enjoy a moment of grace on the Place de la Liberté. While the dazzling performance of Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca was one of the highlights of the Jazz à Toulon festival, which ended Saturday evening, it also reflects, more generally, a musical event that has often reached new heights during its thirty-fifth edition.

"It was clearly a success," confirms Robert Albergucci, president of Toulon Métropole events and congresses , who runs this unmissable summer cultural event on the shores. "We had more than 60,000 spectators over twenty dates." That's 10,000 more than last year, which admittedly had five fewer concerts. "But what you should remember above all is that we had a totally incredible festival in terms of atmosphere."

It wasn't a foregone conclusion, according to the organizer. "Artists are often worried when you talk to them about a free event. In this case, people aren't necessarily connected. But in Toulon, we have a great audience, jazz lovers. Eric Serra, who had given a concert the day before in Mandelieu for 33 euros a ticket, found himself at the market halls, with spectators standing there, full of joy. He was delighted!"

The program, perhaps a little less specialized, "more popular" than in previous years, is undoubtedly also not unrelated to this success. With a budget of 400,000 euros, by combining, according to Robert Albergucci, "global stars" - Fonseca, Serra, Redman... - and emerging artists, the festival brought together an eclectic audience, which it even sought out in the neighborhoods. The stages set up in Saint-Jean-du-Var, Quatre-Chemins-des-Routes or La Rode, including for the "off" , attracted curious onlookers and jazz lovers. Next year's program is "half" completed

The only slight misstep, in the end, was Bireli Lagrene 's performance on the first evening in Liberty Square. "He was a bit tired," the organizer euphemistically put it. Not very pleasant with the audience, who were upset by a microphone issue, the guitar virtuoso delivered a very forgettable performance. Fortunately, he was "saved" by the talent and professionalism of his two sidekicks, Martin Taylor and Ulf Wakenus.

But in the end, Robert Albergucci prefers to remember the enthusiasm of music lovers at the end of his two weeks of jazz. And to look ahead to 2026, for an edition at least of the same level. "We've completed half of next summer's program," he assures. "We've become a festival that counts again, where artists are happy to perform. I can't announce the names yet, but I assure you that there will be some big names..." Looking forward to it.