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Sep 2
 

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival

Another edition under the sign of growth!


Gatineau, September 2, 2024 - The 37th edition of the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival was a true success. An edition that will remain engraved in the memories of the festival-goers and international, must-see and emerging artists who took part in the 5-day event, from August 29 to September 2, 2024.


EXCEPTIONAL ATTENDANCE LEVELS

A first in the Festival's history: all 5-day passes were sold out before the Festival even started, reflecting the tremendous enthusiasm for the event. The FMG attracted visitors of all generations, consolidating its status as a key family event. The organization is pleased to have welcomed significant crowds each evening of the event, estimating a total attendance of 225,000. The success of the 37th edition reinforces the event's position and reputation as a major cultural and tourism event in Quebec and the Outaouais region.


MORE THAN 30 DIVERSIFIED SHOWS

Many unforgettable moments were created by the artists performing on the Festival's 3 stages. Thursday night's performance by Charlotte Cardin and Laurence Nerbonne drew a record crowd for the opening day.


The Hydro-Québec Stage brought the evening to life with performances by Isabelle Boulay, Francis Degrandpré, Reney Ray, Fredz, Mehdi Cayenne, Jeannot Bournival and Mignon Bandit, plus the Comedy Gala, hosted by Josianne Aubuchon and featuring Martin Petit, Virginie Fortin and P-O Forget. 


Highlights on the Loto-Québec Stage included the incomparable energy of the crowd at the Rap Night, with Souldia and its impressive guest list: FouKi, Jay Scøtt, Loud, Lost, Rymz, Shreez and Die-On. The group IAM, straight from France, rounded off the evening with a nostalgic rendition of their greatest hits. Saturday was another memorable day, with performances by Bleu Jeans Bleu and Salebarbes, as was Friday's country night, with Dave Fenley and Dallas Smith.


The FMG Late Nights were once again a great success. Festival-goers gathered in large numbers in front of the Hydro-Québec Stage for Jonathan Roy's performance. KHAØS and Debbie Tebbs also delighted electronic music fans, as did DJ Fontanaand Davr!k in our Subaru Outaouais Chill Zone.


Festival-goers also enjoyed shows for young audiences, with Jojo & Brio, Jérôme Charlebois and Annie Roy, and Henri Godon for families. Afternoon entertainment was provided by Mélissa Ouimet, Simon Morin, Tristan Guay, Brian Tyler, Waahli and Bantü Salsa under the Festive Square tent. 


ACTIVITIES APPRECIATED BY FAMILIES

Every evening, the fireworks, presented by Michel Quesnel, impressed festival-goers. The Beauce Carnaval Amusement Park, country and bachata dance classes, inflatable games and face painting for children were also very popular activities. Despite the wind, which made it difficult to deploy the hot-air balloons, six hot-air balloon activities were carried out: 2 ballon flights, 2 tethered flights and 2 Night Glows.


15 MILLION DOLLARS IN ECONOMIC AND TOURISM BENEFITS

The organization estimates that the event generated significant economic, tourism, cultural and social benefits of 15 million dollars. 70% of festival-goers came from the Outaouais region, 15% from outside the Outaouais region and 15% from outside the region.


A COLLECTIVE SUCCESS

The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival not only made a valuable contribution to the local community, but also enjoyed its considerable support. The Festival benefited from the exceptional collaboration of 250 partners (80% of them local), as well as the remarkable involvement of 1,300 volunteers. The success of this year's edition is the fruit of hard teamwork and the collaboration of each and every stakeholder.


“The FMG is the result of an incredible collective effort. We are grateful to our partners, collaborators and volunteers who helped make this year's event a real success,” says Marie-Chantal Giguère, Chair of the Board of Directors of the FMG.


The 38th edition of the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival will take place from August 28 to September 1, 2025.

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Source :  FMG

Press relations in the Outaouais region

Sara-Jade Burton – Coordinator, Communications and Media relations


Press relations in Montreal and the rest of the province

Lyne Dutremble – annexe

C : 514 952-5047 / lyne@annexe.media

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