Highland Games
June
The little town of Bressuire, just to the west of Poitiers, has been twinned with Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire for more than 20 years. The result is an annual Highland Games, with all the traditional sports of Scottish hammer throw, caber toss, stone put and weight throw. Scottish bands and dancers entertain the watching crowds.
Notre-Dame la Grande Polychromy
June-September
During the summer months, Poitiers’ stunning church Notre-Dame la Grande hosts a nightly light show. The display aims to show how the church would have looked back in its 11th-century heyday.
Poitiers éclats d'été
July-August
Starting in July and running throughout the summer, this festival puts on a nightly programme of live music, open-air cinema screenings and concerts. There are shows for children too, making it a highlight for visiting families.
Saxophone en Mouvement
August
This funky jazz festival is run parallel to an international saxophone academy, which invites around 50 young saxophonists from around the world every year to perfect their craft under the tuition of experts. Concerts, lectures and light shows are all included in the programme.
Les Expressifs
October
One of the leading circus and street art festivals in Europe, Les Expressifs is a long weekend of colourful, costumed celebration to mark the start of autumn. The focus is on new talent and cultural diversity, and the philosophy behind the event is to make culture accessible to all.