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Bastille Day 2017 in Nice

Paying homage to those who lost their lives in 2016

featured in News & reviews Author Pam Williamson, Nice Editor Updated

This year in Nice the celebrations for Bastille Day 2017, France's 'Fête Nationale', will take a different form as the city pays homage to those who lost their lives in the tragic attack on the Promenade des Anglais in 2016.

The lives of 86 people were lost after a cargo lorry was deliberately driven into crowds who were celebrating Bastille Day on the Promenade des Anglais on 14th July 2016. In tribute to those who lost their lives, those who were injured and their families, the city of Nice has orchestrated a day of remembrance.

Proceedings will begin on the Quai des Etats-Unis in the Port of Nice, where you can take part in putting together a special message that is 170m long and that will fly high above the skyline of Nice at around 20:00. 12,000 cards in total will make up this special message that has been chosen by the families of the victims. A book of remembrance will also be available for members of the public to pay a more personal tribute. This event will take place between 09:00 and 20:00.

In the presence of the President of the Republic of France, Emmanuel Macron, there will be a parade to honour the victims, security, rescue and medical services involved and to those who showed great courage during this horrendous attack. The parade will begin at 16:30 in Place Massena. Two giant screens will broadcast the ceremony on the Promenade du Paillon and in the 'jardin d’Arménie', to ensure that the largest number of people can participate. The ceremony will include official speeches, a minute silence and musical accompaniment.

Later in the evening, the tribute concert will take place on the Promenade du Paillon at 21:00. This unique concert will see the whole of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Nice onstage, alongside the opera choir. The concert will be followed by a minutes silence before the lights on the Promenade des Anglais are lit and the artist Calogero will perform the song 'Les Feux d'Artifice'.

The Promenade des Anglais will be shut to traffic from 22:00 on 13th July until 03:00 on 15th July 2017. Special security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of the public during the event.