Philippe Erill: “I am an unconditional lover of my city”

Philippe Erill pose devant l’affiche du premier président du comité des fêtes en 1910. Michel Desnos

Rencontre avec Philippe Erill, le dévoué président du comité des fêtes d’Agde.

Very often, we see him with his teams working for the pleasure of others during many local events. Meeting with Philippe Erill, this 63-year-old man, married with two children, who is the president of the festival committee of the city of Agde.

How long have you been president of the festival committee ?

I have been with the festival committee for 38 years and I have been president for 17 years. But already younger; At the age of 16 or 17, I was already driving the chariot of the queen of the corso.

How did this vocation for the committee come to you ?

I am an unconditional lover of my city, Agde. My father was part of the Réveil Agathois and, already, I was at the head of the processions, with drum and bugle. You could say that I fell into the festive world at a very young age: it is a real family passion. It is my second family in a way

Being president is a big step ?

Yes and no! First of all, I must thank the twenty volunteers who surround me. Without them, I would be nothing… While they, without me, they can do it! After 20 years of volunteering, the president at the time Serge Fonta gave me the desire to get involved, to immerse myself a little more in the committee. I jumped at the chance and what a satisfaction for us, volunteers, to see the smiles of the parents and children. It's our only salary!

The town's festivities are important to you.

Yes, very much. The festival committee is part of a link in the life of Agde. There are people who have come to live in the town who have joined the committee with two objectives: to integrate of course but also to perpetuate our traditions.

What are your objectives ?

The new wine festival on November 17 with its traditional mass and blessing. Then there will be New Year's Eve. Next year, return to the sardinades, corso and with, a novelty, the return of the election of Miss Agde. We are also working on a big two or three day party in the future with the same goal: to apply affordable prices so that as many people as possible can come and have fun.

You are a happy president ?

Yes of course, even if there is always better to do. We are very popular with the people of Agde; their numbers increase during the events. We are appealing to young people who would like to join us, bring ideas and new blood. And this year, for the first time, the Congress of Carnivals and Festivals of France will be held in Agde at the end of the month. It is a source of pride to introduce all the presidents of France and the authorities to our city, which I love so much.

Midi Libre correspondent: 06 80 28 29 54.