To launch its 23rd edition under the theme “Essentially French” Le French May Arts Festival brings together a variety of performances, gastronomy, and music from France for a 3-day celebration held in the Courtyard at PMQ. Based on the traditional French concept of “Bal Pop”, thousands of people are invited to come and enjoy the celebrations and experience festivities in a typically French-styled town. Come and enjoy life like the French do! Musical entertainment: walking brass bands and open-air street party The 11 musicians comprising the Jo Bithume Company will entertain guests all night long – on both Friday and Saturday – with 3 different smaller acts followed by a big brass band and percussion ensemble: Lions for Lions proposes a powerful saxophone/trombone/drum trio whose music is highly influenced by rock and free jazz. Go Girls! is a female a cappella quartet that rocks, swings and lulls in a variety of moods with a repertoire ranging from Bobby McFerrin to Nino Ferrer. JB Brass Section performs in the purest tradition of French walking brass bands with a joyful quintet of brass and percussion. At the end of the night, all of the musicians will gather to form a 11-piece band so as to offer the audience the genuine experience of open-air street party in the traditional French style of “balpopulaire” (public dancing). The main ensemble returns on Sunday afternoon for a collaborative project with the Yow Kam Yuen College Orchestra, which promises to be a fantastic musical experience for the whole family! Watch and Play Discover the best of French animation through a selection of creative and fascinating short films. Enjoy various outdoor games that have been specially designed for this occasion. Watch and play with Le French May at PMQ! The Food and Beverage Experience As a tradition, food and drinks are a major part of street and outdoor celebrations in France. At this 3-day launch party you will able to sample authentic flavours from French cheeses, specialties from the delicatessen, croissants and crepes to sumptuous wines and thirst-quenching beers. Several booths will showcase the best of live-cooked French gastronomy will able to sample authentic flavours from French cheeses, specialties from the delicatessen, croissants and crepes to sumptuous wines and thirst-quenching beers. Several booths will showcase the best of live-cooked French gastronomy from Midi-Pyrénées, the Festival’s partner region for Le French GourMay2015 !