After the controversy, the Lyon Antifa Fest moves to Vaulx-en-Velin
While it is held every year at the CCO in Villeurbanne, the Lyon Antifa Fest will take place at the Grrrnd Zero, in Vaulx-en-Velin, on December 10 and 11. A forced move to the recent controversy launched by Laurent Wauquiez.
Since 2013, the Lyon Antifa Fest, a music festival organized by the anti-fascist community, has been held in mid-December every year. The event is usually held at the CCO in Villeurbanne but for this 8th edition, it will be necessary to go on December 10 and 11 to Grrrnd Zéro, an association and concert hall near the Carré de Soie in Vaulx-en-Velin.
What is the Lyon Antifa Fest?
The Lyon Antifa Fest was set up in 2013 to denounce 25 arrests deemed arbitrary by the organizers following a demonstration against the far right and in tribute to anti-fascist activist Clément Meric. The event is presented as “support for victims of fascism and the police”. It is also a place of denunciation of racism, sexism and homophobia.
This departure from tradition follows a recent controversy. On September 6, Laurent Wauquiez stepped up to the plate against the anti-fascist festival in the columns of Progress. In question, a video presentation of the festival, in which the rappers Original Tonio and Lax chant that “all the cops are bastards”. A usual slogan in militant movements, French translation of the famous English acronym ACAB, which the President of the Region seized on the fly as a pretext to announce to our colleagues from Progress the abolition of the subsidy of 45,000 euros usually paid to the CCO.
“They suggested that we postpone the Lyon Antifa Fest after the presidential election”
In reaction to this threat, the CCO announced to dissociate itself from the incriminated video and recalled that the Lyon Antifa Fest was not yet scheduled in their room.
“They suggested we postpone the date after the presidential election,” say the organizers of the anti-fascist festival. They were afraid of being cut off from other grants and preferred to keep themselves small for a year.
It was out of the question for them and them to delay the Lyon Antifa Fest, however.
“For us, accepting a report from our date was to bow to Laurent Wauquiez. Besides, it didn’t make sense that our festival was held after the elections. Now is the time to come together, to mobilize. We don’t blame the CCO, but we are disappointed with their reaction. “
It is therefore the Grrrnd Zero which will host the Antifa Fest this year, and claims to bring “all its support” to the festival.
On the side of the CCO, we are still waiting to see if Laurent Wauquiez will implement his threat.
Vin’s and Los Tres Puntos for the 8th edition of the Lyon Antifa Fest
In the meantime, lovers of rap, ska and punk could have fun on December 10 and 11 in Vaulx-en-Velin for this 8th edition of the Antifa Fest.
On December 10, for the rap evening, the Grrrnd Zero venue will host the promising Juste Shani, the Montpellier resident Vin’s and the two brothers who make up the group Ärsenik, originators of Val-d’Oise.
The next evening, it’s time for punk with the Parisian group Cartouche, the ska punk of Resaka Sonora, the group of oi! Brigada Flores Magon and the essential ska punk of Tres Puntos who are celebrating their 25th birthday.