The Retro C Trop festival in Tilloloy, France, is adding a significant headliner to its tenth-anniversary celebration: Lenny Kravitz. The festival, already scheduled for , , and , will host a bonus concert featuring Kravitz on .
This isn’t simply an addition to the lineup. organizers are positioning the Kravitz performance as a special event to mark a decade of the festival. According to Philippe Tassart, an organizer of Retro C Trop, securing Kravitz was the culmination of ten years of effort. He described the artist as a “showman” and emphasized the symbolic importance of the booking for the festival’s anniversary.
Retro C Trop has built a reputation over the past ten years for attracting a diverse range of established artists – acts that, while still capable of drawing large crowds, aren’t necessarily on the typical summer festival circuit. Previous performers have included Scorpions, ZZ Top, Sting, The Sex Pistols, Iggy Pop, Tears For Fears, Texas, Alice Cooper, Simple Minds, and Madness. The festival distinguishes itself by offering a “vintage but not ringard” (not cheesy) experience, as described in reports about the event.
The 2026 iteration continues this trend, with a lineup that blends legacy acts with contemporary performers. Alongside Kravitz, the festival will feature B52’s, Joan Jett, Roland Gift (of Fine Young Cannibals), Europe, and New Model Army. They’ll share the stage with Matmatah, Ultra Vomit, and Ghinzu, demonstrating a commitment to both iconic names and current French artists.
What makes the Kravitz concert particularly noteworthy is its exclusivity. Reports indicate that the Tilloloy date is currently the only scheduled summer performance by the artist north of Orléans, France. Tassart highlighted this geographical uniqueness, suggesting that fans further north will need to travel to Retro C Trop to see him perform this summer. This strategic booking underscores the festival’s ambition to become a destination event.
The choice of the Château de Tilloloy as the venue also plays a role in the festival’s appeal. The stage is set at the foot of the castle, creating a distinctive atmosphere that sets Retro C Trop apart from larger, more conventional festival grounds. This setting contributes to the festival’s “off-format” experience, attracting artists and audiences who appreciate a more intimate and visually striking environment.
Retro C Trop’s success comes amidst a busy summer festival season across France. Other major events scheduled for 2026 include Vieilles Charrues, Hellfest, Rock en Seine, We Love Green, Solidays, Marvellous Island, the Nîmes Festival, Musilac, Garorock, Les Déferlantes, Beauregard, Main Square, and Eurockéennes. The French festival landscape is competitive, but Retro C Trop has carved out a niche by focusing on a specific demographic and offering a curated experience.
The broader French music festival scene in 2026 is expected to be robust, with headliners including Aya Nakamura, Orelsan, Katy Perry, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Pulp, Charlotte Cardin, L2B, Gims, Feu! Chatterton, and Mosimann all slated to perform at various events. However, the absence of Lollapalooza Paris this year will leave a gap in the market, potentially benefiting festivals like Retro C Trop that offer a similar blend of international and domestic talent.
Beyond France, other major summer music events are anticipated, though details remain limited. The announcement of the Retro C Trop lineup, and particularly the addition of Lenny Kravitz, provides a concrete glimpse into the summer’s musical offerings. The festival’s organizers are clearly aiming to capitalize on their tenth anniversary with a memorable event that will solidify their position as a key player in the European festival circuit.
The addition of Kravitz is expected to draw a significant crowd to Tilloloy on , extending the festival’s impact beyond its core dates. With a career spanning decades and a catalog of hits like “It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over” and “American Woman,” Kravitz is well-positioned to appeal to a broad audience and deliver a fitting climax to Retro C Trop’s tenth-anniversary celebrations.
