The return of So Frenchy So Chic to charm Sydney and Melbourne
WHEN So Frenchy So Chic In The Park returns in 2015, it will once again bring the charm of provincial France and the attitude of Paris to a glorious summer’s day in Melbourne and Sydney.
Last year, the event brought the music, food, wine and style of France to the gardens of Werribee Park Mansion just outside Melbourne for the third year in a row, and to the grounds of St John’s College, Camperdown in Sydney for the first time.
Now a fixture on both city’s cultural calendars, the same venues will once again host So French So Chic on January 11 and 17 respectively.
With live performances, and gourmet hampers and thousands of bottles and millions of bubbles for the ultimate picnic, the Star Observer had a sneak peek at what to expect in 2015.
La musique
Triple J once had Emilie Simon on repeat, and it’s easy to see why. Simon is known for her charismatic stage presence and her layering of live vocals and instrumentals with her own voice. She returns to Australian shores for a third time this summer with songs from her latest album, Mue.
Another act who has enjoyed regular radio airplay in Australia is The Dø, a French/Finnish duo who first toured here in 2009 with their off-kilter indie sound. Call it electro-folk or call it avant-pop,The Dø will have everyone up and dancing on the grass.
Meanwhile, La Femme weaves together sounds of Californian surf rock with classic 60s and 80s new wave. The result is French pop magic that hits all the right notes.
Rounding out music line-up is Francois and Atlas Mountains. They recently stole the show as Franz Ferdinand’s opening act at Somerset House in London, escalating the acclaimed group to being a favourite of European festivals.
Le menu
Once again, gourmet hampers and curated picnic boxes will be filled with authentic French fare, such as tart tartin, provencal pork belly terrine, baguettes and delectable tortes.
Festival-goers also have the option of creating their own degustation menu by browsing the gourmet food stalls for oysters, crêpes, cassoulet, macaroons, ice cream and more.
Finally, there will of course be champagne, beers, French wine and a cocktail bar available.
En plus
Billed is a family friendly event, children under 12 can attend So French So Chic for free, with face painting, puppet shows, pétanque, croquet and a few other surprises available to keep them entertained.
The event has garnered a reputation as the best thing to a picnic in France, complete with the music, the food, the wine, the setting, the style. It’s the ultimate day out for lovers, musicians, families, and friends.
DETAILS:
Melbourne: Sunday, January 11 from 12noon at Werribee Park Mansion.
Sydney: Saturday, January 17 from 1pm at St John’s College, Camperdown.
Tickets: Melbourne – $89 +bf ;Sydney – $89 +bf; Children under 12 free
INFO: Visit sofrenchysochic.com.au
