The 24th three-day Vevey festival of street artists, starts Friday 19 August at 4pm, and takes place at seven locations on the cobbled streets of Vevey’s old town, as well as at a new location near the Nest on Chauséee de la Guinguette.
![Festival artistes de rue - Photo 1](https://i0.wp.com/lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Festival-artistes-de-rue-Photo-1.jpg?resize=800%2C532)
Photo : FAR – Luca Carmagnola
The show, a kind of outdoor circus, includes acrobats, football jugglers, mimers and tightrope walkers from around the world. The show typically attracts around 25,000 spectators. 21 groups of artists from around Europe, Japan, Argentina, New Zealand, along with groups from two of Switzerland’s circus schools, were selected by the organisers from over 300 entries.
![Festival artistes de rue - Photo 2](https://i0.wp.com/lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Festival-artistes-de-rue-Photo-2.jpg?resize=800%2C532)
Photo : FAR – Luca Carmagnola
Three groups will be awarded prizes based on public votes. In 2015, around 3,000 spectators voted for their favourite performers. There will be voting boxes on the street.
On Saturday evening at 11:15pm, a group called the Firebirds will literally set alight Place Scanavin.
During the event, drinks and food stands will be positioned around Place Scanavin. A detailed programme can be found here (in French).
Supported by the commune of Vevey, and around 120 volunteers, the spectacle is free to the public, although following in busking tradition, performers will gladly accept tips.
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