Toulouse. L’Esmeralda, the nightclub that makes the over-30s dance, celebrates its 20th anniversary
By Lucie Fraisse
Published on
20 years that the Esmeralda makes the over 30s dance at Toulouse. An anniversary that is well worth an XXL celebration: the nightclub, located a stone’s throw from the Sesquieres lakeorganizes four days of celebration for the occasion, on September 9, 10, 12 and 16, 2022.
On the Aqualand location
“Opened on July 20, 2000, recalls René Viteur, who runs the nightclub with his partner Bernard Vernet. We were supposed to celebrate our 20th birthday earlier, but with the Covid we had to postpone. »
In 1995, Bernard Vernet bought Aqualand, a water park located next to the Sesquières lake, to create the KL, a large party complex which had to close at the end of the 90s, after a fire. The Esmeralda took over at the very beginning of the 2000s, with a clear guideline: offers a nightclub for over 30s.
“It was quite new at the time in Toulouse, underlines René Viteur. We thought there were already enough nightclubs for young people in the Pink City. This is still our niche today. »
Boney M, Lio, Jimmy Somerville performed there
Four years after its opening, the Esmeralda is opening a new room within it: Le Bal. “At the Esmeralda, we play contemporary music,” explains Jack Perry, the resident DJ. Le Bal is for the 70s, 80s and 90s. It also offers a rock evening every last Friday of each month. »
L’Esmeralda is also home to many concerts: renowned artists have performed there. “On a eu Boney M, Jimmy Somerville, Les Forbans, Bananarama, Lio, Sabrina, Haddaway... lists Jack Perry. Frankly all the stars of the 80s and 90s came to L’Esmeralda! »
L’Avener, Feder…
Recognized DJs too: Laurent Wolf, Mosimann, The Avener, Feder… “We always try to reach the widest possible range of customers, explains the DJ. So that the evenings can appeal to young and old. »
About fifty employees work each week in the approximately 3,500 m² of the Esmeralda. The venues can accommodate up to 2,500 revelers.
Four evenings for the 20th anniversary of the Esmeralda
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Esmeralda is organizing four exceptional evenings
Friday, September 9, Keen-V will be in showcase.
Saturday, September 10, two artists who have marked the past 20 years will be present: Yannick and Helmut Fritz.
Monday, September 12, place Nervo, a duo of Australian DJs who perform very regularly in Ibiza.
Friday, September 16, it will be Yanns who will have adapted.
Several marriages
In (just over) 20 years, the Esmeralda has had its share of avatars. Like an arson attack in 2008. “Everything had burned down,” recalls René Viteur. It took nine months to rebuild everything. “Or even the health crisis which forced the establishment to close its doors for almost two whole years. “We experienced it as an injustice”, explains Jack Perry.
But these are mostly 20 years of beautiful stories. ” There have been many weddings thanks to L’Esmeralda, says the owner of the place. People who met here and then went on to live together. ”
Jack Perry confirms: “Nightclubs are always meeting places. Even today there are couples who form every weekend at L’Esmeralda: it’s wrong to say that only social networks work for that! “.
For another 20 years?
Especially since the Esmeralda does everything to encourage encounters. By installing less loud music at the bar, to allow discussions. And the security service watches over the grain to avoid any overflow. “On many women in our clientele, specifies the boss. They know they are safe here. »
Men or women, regulars or newcomers: the Esmeralda has been welcoming Toulouse night owls for just over twenty years. They come here to meet their soul mate or to flirt for a few hours, but above all to party and dance until the end of the night. “And we hope it will last another 20 years…”, smiles Jack Perry.
Practical information :
Esmeralda nightclub at Lac de Sesquières, in Toulouse.
More information on the establishment’s website.
.
Was this article helpful to you? Note that you can follow Actu Toulouse in the My Actu space. In one click, after registration, you will find all the news of your favorite cities and brands.