Located in the tiny village of Petit-Fays, near Bièvre, in the south of the province of Namur in Belgium, the P’tit Faystival is one of the most unlikely places to stumble across a day of alternative rock and indie acts.
Now in its 15th year, the action takes place around the village square under the gaze of the 1879 Sainte-Barbe church, and in a large marquee which stays open till 6am.
Folk band play under a tree by the village square.
The main festival area with the band marquee to the right.
The splendid church.
On the ‘main’ stage, an experimental artist employs loops and sound effects.
Men were instructed to pee… somewhere.
The band were put up in the houses of kind locals. This is the scene one minute’s walk away from the festival.
This is where the keyboard player and I stayed.
Walking back to the festival.
This curious game involved spinning a hammer around and then thumping the nail into the log.
A huge communal paella was prepared over a log fire, with veggie options available nearby.
Late afternoon in the square.
Here’s the admin crew keeping things running smoothly!
A look around the village.
Experimental sound artist.
Eating outside.
A local artist gets involved.
The locals were in a good mood after the World Cup result.
Relaxing in the sun.
The band stage inside the marquee.
Crowd for the Monochrome Set.
The audience were amazing. We had a proper mosh pit going for most of the set!
The soundcrew were fine chaps.
After we finished, the DJ played a wildly eccentric set, which went from the Pixies to sub-Eurovision Belgium oompah, and it sent the crowds into a frenzy!
Crowd surfing.
Singing along. The party went on till 6am.
The view next morning.
Some of the old ladies in the village were selling waffles, home made jam and coffee.
Abandoned goods yard at Graide station.
Crossing lights.
Waiting for the train.
Goodbye Belgium – and thank you to the organisers of P’Tit Faystival – it was amazing!
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