1996

• 5 stages
• 75 concerts and shows
• 181,462 spectators
• 9.10 hectares
• 3,139 volunteers
• Poster designed by Jean-Christophe Alix

The Festival decides to limit the size of audiences from now on in order to preserve the spirit of the event. This policy goes down well with the public: 181,462 people, happy to rediscover a more human dimension to their festival, give a resounding thumbs-up to these new measures. Full houses on Friday July 26th and Sunday July 28th meant that Paléo actually had to turn people away. Patti Smith makes her stage come-back, Lou Reed makes a little detour to Nyon. A fifth performing area, the Crique, provides a splendid backdrop to performers from the circus ring and street theatre.

Artists

Airvag, Anders Osborne, Ani DiFranco, Asian Dub Foundation, Beck, Ben Harper, Betty Legler, Big Soul, Bobarino Giarittini, Bobby McFerrin, Boni & Carolli, Brainwash, Buddy Guy, Carmina Burana, Cheb Mami, Coolio, Cyrano, Dominique A, Dreadzone, Eastwood, Ecole Nationale de Cirque de Montréal, Galliano, Gary Clail, Geoffrey Oryema, H-Blockx, International Alligator Cie, Jackson Browne, Jacky Lagger, Jad Wio, Jean Bart, Jimmy Cliff, Johnny Hallyday, Jovanotti, Kevin Parent, K's Choice, La Charanga Habanera & David Calzado, Les Colocs, Les Innocents, Les Obsessionnels, Les Skouts, Loop Guru, Los Galindos, Lou Reed, Mad In Paris, Madredeus, Maxime Le Forestier, Michel Fugain, Miossec, Moloko, Noa, NTM, Oscar d'Leon, Patti Smith, Pieter-Jan De Smet, Polar, Positive Black Soul, Rachid Taha, Radio Tarifa, Recypile, Renaud, Ruby, Sens Unik, Skunk Anansie, Snob's, Speedyman & Yasta, Stéphane Blok, Sylvain Duchesne, The Munch, The Skatalites, Third World, Tindersticks, Tropique du Cancer, Yllana, Zebda, ZZ Top