Storms Disrupt the Finale of the 53rd Condom Bandas Festival

The 53rd edition of the Festival de Bandas de Condom, one of Europe’s most celebrated gatherings of brass bands and percussion ensembles, concluded on Sunday, May 10, 2026, under a cloud of frustration and disappointment. Violent thunderstorms forced the early closure of the festival’s final day, preventing the traditional award ceremony and the celebration of the winners in front of thousands of festival-goers.

The decision to close the festival ahead of schedule was made by the prefecture of the Gers department in southwestern France. By mid-afternoon, meteorologists had warned of severe weather, including high winds of 80 to 100 km/h, large hail, and torrential rain. Despite the early departure of some bands and attendees, the streets of Condom remained vibrant until the last possible moment, with musicians and spectators reluctant to leave without the customary conclusion to the event.

Jean-François Sabathier, the mayor of Condom, confirmed that the decision was taken in consultation with festival organizers and the prefecture, prioritizing public safety. “Security comes first,” he stated. “We had to make a difficult choice, but the risks posed by the storm were too great to ignore.” The mayor noted that while fewer people were present on the final day compared to Saturday night, the festival had still drawn large crowds, and the atmosphere remained lively until the last minute.

The palmarès, or list of winners, was eventually announced via video on social media after the festival’s premature end. Gilles Boyer, president of the festival, appeared in a recorded message to reveal the results, thanking all participants and attendees for their dedication. The 2026 edition saw the Sans Soucis de Bordeaux, a renowned Aquitaine band, claim the Palme d’Argent and the title of Champion of France. They also won the Trompette d’Argent (Silver Trumpet) and the Tambourin d’Argent (Silver Tambourine) awards. The Palme d’Or, or Golden Palm, was awarded to Xaranga Mel de Romer from Spain, while the Belgian band Band’heure rounded out the top three.

For the junior category, the Landais de Band’Adishatz were crowned champions, adding to the festival’s reputation as a platform for both established and emerging talent in the world of brass and percussion music.

The festival, which began on Friday, May 8, and was originally scheduled to run through Sunday, May 10, is renowned as the largest European gathering of its kind. Over the three days, Condom transformed into a bustling hub of music, with performances on the main stage, street parades, and a vibrant atmosphere that attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. This year’s edition, however, will be remembered not only for its musical achievements but also for the unexpected interruption caused by the weather.

Despite the early closure, organizers and participants expressed hope that the festival’s legacy would endure. The announcement of the winners and the continued celebration of the bands’ achievements on social media ensured that the spirit of Condom’s 53rd Festival de Bandas would live on, even without the traditional grand finale.