“La Roche Bluegrass Festival is, and will always be, free because we believe in being open and accessible to all comers” - Didier Philippe, co-founder and head of operations.
We have grown steadily since our first edition in 2006 and our goal is still to be the most important bluegrass event in Europe. To achieve and maintain this status we need to attract top artists from Europe and the USA with the best playing and human environment, so they continue to enjoy this festival dedicated 100% to Bluegrass music.
Such ambitions do not come cheap!
63% of our income is generated through the food and beverage bars, the workshop, and the market and merchandising outlets, all managed and staffed by 200 volunteers.
​The rest comes through public (15%) and private (22%) donations.
​La Roche sur Foron has taken the festival and its music to heart because the values carried by the music and its musicians are close to those of the region and the town.
If you like what we do and want to join in and become a part of the event, there are different ways you can contribute to the enduring success of La Roche Bluegrass Festival

ways to get involved

  • Different partnership packages are available to suit different levels of commitment a business or institution may want to make, including our "Patrons Club" for local enterprises of all sizes.
    All partnership packages include access to the Vivendi VIP Tent with food and drink vouchers for partners and guests.
  • Over 200 people give up their time, talent and energy as volunteers to make the festival friendly and efficient for the full week of activities.
  • ​Membership to the Association costs from as little as €10.
Click on the following links for more information.

our festival values

Authenticity: 100% hand made, acoustic music played on guitars, banjos, fiddles, mandolins, dobros and with impeccable harmony singing, passed down through the generations in family and community jam sessions.
Talent: Bluegrass music may look easy superficially, but it takes great talent to hit the sweet spot with no artefacts or electronic enhacements. Top Bluegrass players are genuine virtuosos.
Innovation: In constant evolution, with roots and branches, Bluegrass grew out of the traditions of Appalachian mountain music and continues to grow creatively absorbing influences from jazz, rock, reggae and even classical music.
Sharing: The “jam session” remains an important feature of Bluegrass culture, where professionals and amateurs share their music in improvised playing sessions long into the night, well after the "show" is over!
Click here if you want to learn more about the origins and history of the festival