Werribee Park will pay tribute to all things French next month when the So Frenchy So Chic music festival returns to the grounds of the mansion.
The event, which began in 2012, will combine France’s top musicians with fine wine and picnic hampers.
Promoter Jean-François Ponthieux says Werribee Park is the perfect site for the laid-back event because it feels like a European venue.
“So Frenchy So Chic is a garden party … [Werribee Park] provides a magical background,” he said. “We style it with
bales of hay and barrels of wine to give it a rustic vibe.”
The event will feature performances by French Grammy winner Lou Doillon, pop duo Lilly Wood and the Prick, 10-piece rock band Babylon Circus and singer Féfé, who was a hit at the 2012 festival.
Each act was asked to perform at the festival by Ponthieux during a visit to France earlier this year.
“For me, it is important to hear them live. It doesn’t matter how good the record is – it’s about how they sound live,” he said.
“The musicians will provide a soundtrack to the afternoon. They complement each other and are different so people can hear the different types of French music.”
So Frenchy So Chic began as a CD compilation of French music.
In 2007, Ponthieux launched live shows around Australia to introduce more people to music he says is a good alternative to American and English pop culture.
“It takes its influence from different types of music from around the world,” he said. “It is quite different.”
So Frenchy So Chic will be at Werribee Park on January 12. Tickets cost $83, admission for children under 12 is free.
