Meuse. The event-spectacle From Flames to Light in figures

"The show From Flames to Light was only supposed to take place once, and in the end, it was such a success that we reworked it, reworked it, and today it has 29 seasons under its belt," proudly rejoices Jean-Luc Demandre, the director. "It's exceptional!"

This year, the sound and light show features 283 extras. Approximately 200 of them perform on stage each evening.

While these volunteers are in the spotlight, the work accomplished by those who work behind the scenes must also be measured. In total, no fewer than 114 volunteers are involved in lighting, sound, pyrotechnics, mapping, logistics-sets, costumes, stewarding, public reception, and other tasks.

"It's a grandiose and unique show that's dynamic, inspiring, and engaging," says the director. "Without volunteering, nothing would be possible (Editor's note: on average, it represents 34,500 hours each year).

Extras mean costumes, and there are plenty of them! It must be said that some change props or costumes five or six times during this 1-hour-25-minute show with 61 scenes.

"Among the 780, we also count the volunteers' personal outfits that don't belong to us but are visible at the finale," explains Jean-Luc Demandre. "As for the association's costumes, thanks to our seamstresses, the majority are homemade. We also made purchases, individually and by the kilo, at the Saint-Ouen market in Paris or received donations."

This is the number of mapping sequences, designed by the Meuse director Guillaume Klein and his team.

In total, the show includes 7 video projectors of 20,000 lumens, 960 projectors, 21 sound diffusion points, 44 km of cables and 5 sequences of special effects and pyrotechnics including a house fire and the fireworks display at the finale.

"Flames in the Light is first and foremost about people, then technology, serving the story," emphasizes the director. "We don't overdo the mapping, the sound, or the special effects." A well-found balance that wins over audiences.

This is the number of spectators welcomed before the launch of the 29th season.

28% of them come from outside Lorraine and Champagne. "Last year, we welcomed 5.5% foreigners (Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, etc.)," ​​notes Jean-Luc Demandre. "Translation headsets (English, German, Dutch) are provided free of charge."

The grandstand can accommodate up to 2,513 people each evening of the show.

These are, on average, the economic benefits of From Flames to Light in recent years. They include - among other things - transport, accommodation, meals on or off site, visits to tourist sites and all other paid services.

Joy, sadness, surprise, wonder... Difficult to quantify, but for the show's organizers, there's no doubt: " From Flames to Light , that's several tons of emotions!"

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