La Fête de la Musique

June 21 is a day that sees music take central place in France's cultural life, with La Fête de la Musique celebrated with events around the country.

The idea is that events should be both pubic and free. Rather than being a festival, the events are intended to be popular and accessible,

This year's theme for the event is Pop is 50 years old, marking the 1962 release of The Beatles first single Love Me Do. The event itself marks its 30th anniversary, the Fête de la Musique initiative being founded by Jack Lang in 1982.

While those in positions of authority like to describe its democatising and intergenerational nature, it is also a huge amount of fun and a real treat for anyone interested in participating or watching music.

France's ministry of culture are paying homage to pop music this year for its enduring impact on musical culture over the past 50 years. while the Beatles didn't make significant inroads to France until a year after their first single, their fourth single She Loves You was their first French hit, their impact was massive.

Not only were their records bought by the French audience, their success led to others taking to the stage, interpreting their work in French and writing beatles-influenced works in French.

This year sees events taking place including a concert at the Palair Royal featuring Buridane, Barbara Calotti, Bertrand Burgalat, 77 Bombay Street and Archimede.

There's little point in listing every event that's taking place across the country, or reciting the names of every act that's on stage. There are just so many taking place that if you're in France you'll find it difficult to avoid a show.

There are shows in public squares, museums, chateaux, parks, stations and hospitals. There are French acts, from legends to young local bands, in every genre from classical to rock via jazz, soul, traditional and world music.

There are phone apps to help you find out what's going on in your area.

Of course, there are many international acts involved in the celebration in France, and events taking place in almost every continent marking the day.

With its inclusive agenda and open minded attitude, La Fête de la Musique is the kind of event that really puts France and French culture in the best possible light.