Lyon, Festival of Enlightenment at time of energy sobriety

From December 8 to 11, the Rhone event, which attracts around 2 million people each year, will be illuminated in low consumption. A way for the green town hall of losing the tradition by wanting to be eco-responsible.

by Richard Schittly (Lyon, correspondent)

Faced with the outbreak of gas and electricity prices, the Lyon environmental town hall has decided a drastic energy savings plan, providing in particular the extinction of public lighting part of the night. At the same time, the capital of Gaul is about to light up with a thousand lights on the occasion of its traditional Light Festival, scheduled from December 8 to 11 (from 8 p.m. to midnight, except on the last day, Sunday, of 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.). Funny paradox?

“Sobriety does not mean austerity,” replied Grégory Doucet, presenting, at the beginning of November, the program of the Festival of Lights. Invited to clarify his thought, the mayor of Lyon (Europe Ecologie-les Verts) insisted, in his somewhat convoluted style: “Energy sobriety but abundance of joy and pleasure.” No question of tarnishing the image of a A major event for the second agglomeration in France, with precious international influence. After two years weighed down by the COVID-19, the green elected officials hope to find a strong attendance, while seeking to bear ecological compatible lighting on the illuminations.

systematic use of LED bulbs

At a time when the commune’s gas and electricity bill increases by 50 %, at an additional cost of 50 million euros, the town hall has taken care to put the energy impact of the Day of the Day lights. Thirty works were selected for this 2022 edition. The electricity bill will not exceed 3,500 euros for the entire event, ensures the town hall.

related to the overall budget of 2 million euros, including 900,000 euros funded by patronage, this reduced amount of electricity consumption is explained by the systematic use of LED bulbs (Light-Emitting Diode) . All artistic facilities now use this low -consumption technology.

Integrated for several years in the design of the Festival of Lights, the environmental taking into account has accelerated with the arrival of the environmental majority to the municipal power. As if they sought to anticipate political command, artistic offers speak for a lot more climate.

Luminescent volatiles and giant slogan

This year, a virtual tornado will rise Place de la République, in the heart of Lyon, to signify the climate disruption from which the planet suffers. Entitled Cymopolée, named after the goddess of storms, the creation illustrates the ecological trend of the moment. Like the Murmuration spectacle, place des Jacobins, which offers an ode to nature, transforming the sound of migratory birds in light spots. Place Voltaire, Reduis is “the fruit of a participative and eco -responsible project”, dixit the press kit about a bestiary of 300 luminescent volatiles made from cans and recycled plastic bottles.

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/Media reports cited above.