Shows for Children, Storytelling, and Cinema in the New Summer Programming at the Plains of Abraham

From: The National Battlefields Commission

News release

Québec, QC, May 30, 2023 – The summer programming at the Plains of Abraham is taking an exciting new turn this year with the addition of a variety of cultural events at the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand. Starting June 15, family events, cinema, opera, and stories will all be presented for free, in addition to the musical performances the public knows and loves.

In addition to these events, the Plains is also offering activities to help visitors explore the park and its history, like escape games, treasure hunts, exhibitions, and guided bus tours. This exciting season has something for visitors of all ages in this historic park in the heart of Quebec City!

Arts and entertainment

New this year, children can be entertained the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand with Arthur L’aventurier, Brindille and Charlotte, Marimba, and Kid Kouna. Colourful characters will also perform for families in street performances by the Théâtre jeunesse Les Gros Becs. Grown-ups will have the opportunity to experience the tumultuous lives of Québec settlers in the 19th century, with storytellers Francis Désilets, Marc-André Fortin, and Jean-Philippe Marcotte. They can also discover the history of the Plains through archival footage from the National Battlefield Commission, presented by the historical commentator Denis Angers. Thanks to partnerships with the Festival d'opéra de Québec and the Festival de cinéma de la ville de Québec, the Plains will host a station of the Circuit Opera as well as the Brigade Opéra and Brigade Opérette, and will also screen films outdoors. This enhanced cultural programming will conclude on September 30 with the Musée ambulant, which will be showcasing a creation from the artist duo Andrée Levesque Sioui and Jeffrey Poirier and will lead a textile creation workshop to highlight National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

In keeping with tradition, the outstanding outdoor stage of the Bandstand will hum to musical styles as varied as they are lively. Throughout the season, the Plains will have the pleasure of hosting Annie Villeneuve, Pascale Picard, the musical review Folklore, il y a longtemps que je t’aime, La Musique du Royal 22e Régiment, Bal Musette, LBA Band, Brigitte Boisjoli, Étienne Drapeau, Yordan Martinez, Le Band à Boivin, Martin Deschamps, Joël & The Outsiders, Scott-Pien Picard, the Coco Country Band, and Daniel Boucher. In partnership with Radio-Canada, 2023 Révélations Joseph Sarenhes and Whaali will also take to the stage in a double bill.

History and heritage

At the Plains of Abraham Museum, the Aeria exhibition, available until January 7, 2024, highlights eight characters linked to the Plains through life-size sculptures by the artist Jérôme Trudelle. Visitors can take a leap into history with the Battles 1759-1760 and Identities exhibitions, as well as through three outdoor escape games, a family-friendly treasure hunt, an escape game at Martello Tower 4, and a guided bus tour.

The temporary installation about the 20th century civilian occupation of the events site will also return this year, as well as Angela Marsh’s urban fields project[FG1] , in collaboration with the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.

Nature, sports, and recreation

A vast park at the heart of Quebec City, the Plains are a unique space to enjoy nature in the city during the summer. The Joan of Arc Garden lights up as dusk falls and is renowned for the beauty of its floral gardens. Vast green spaces are perfect for picnics, and the Plains of Abraham Museum rents out games to help visitors make the most of the outdoors. Walking trails, flower beds and plant sculptures also make the park a wonderful place to relax and take a break.

Quotes

“We work tirelessly to ensure that every visitor to the Plains of Abraham discovers a welcoming urban park with a rich history. The programming we are unveiling today offers new activities for families, opera lovers, and cinephiles and continues our long tradition of musical events at the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand. Whether visitors are interested in cultural events, the great outdoors, or activities offered by the Plains of Abraham Museum, we welcome everyone to the Plains this summer!”

Annie Talbot – Secretary and CEO, The National Battlefields Commission

Quick facts

  • Detailed program schedule and information available online (theplainsofabraham.ca), by phone (418-649-6157) or at the Plains of Abraham Museum (835 Wilfrid-Laurier Ave, Quebec City).

  • Cultural events at the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand
    Music, cinema, history, and family events.

    From June 15 to August 26 and September 30. Free. Mainly Thursdays and Saturdays. Schedule online.

  • Plains of Abraham Museum
    Interactive presentation about the history of the park.

    Battles 1759-1760, Identities, and Aeria exhibitions, Attention! exhibition at Martello Tower 1 (July 1 to September 4), and Abraham’s Bus (July 2 to September 4). Entry is free on July 1. Schedule and rates are available online.

  • Escape games
    Outdoor escape games on the Plains.

    The Challenge of the Great Wars, The Forgotten Ones (starting June 24) and The Masters Tournament (starting July 20). Available until September 29. Online booking required. $47 + tax per group (max. 6 people).

  • The Landscape Architect and the Hidden Treasure
    Family-friendly treasure hunt on the Plains.

    Ideal for children ages 5 to 10. Available until September 29. $12.50 + tax per activity bag (designed for 2 children). Purchase online or at the Plains of Abraham Museum.

  • The Tormentor
    Escape game at Martello Tower 4.

    From July 6 to October 1. $36.50 + tax per player (min. 4 players). Online booking required.

  • Game rentals
    Croquet, pichenotte, and Canadian checkers.

    $5 + tax per game for 2 hours. Available at the Plains of Abraham Museum reception desk during business hours

  • Trails and garden
    Plains of Abraham And Nature trails, Joan of Arc Garden, and green spaces with urban furniture.

    Access is free. Security service available 24 hours/day, seven days/week at 418-648-4652. Park map available online.

  • Temporary installation: History Rekindled
    Memories of the civilian occupation of the major events site during the 20th century.

    Behind the Plains of Abraham Museum. Opening mid-August. Free.

  • Wilderness: It’s really just a love story
    Human/nature co-creation project designed by artist Angela Marsh.

    In partnership with the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. Next to the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand. Free. 

Associated links

Contacts

Media inquiries:
Nathalie Allaire
Assistant Director of Communications
The National Battlefields Commission
nathalie.allaire@ccbn-nbc.gc.ca
418-648-4801

Information:
Plains of Abraham Museum
835 Wilfrid-Laurier Avenue, Québec, QC  G1R 2L3
information@ccbn-nbc.gc.ca
418-649-6157

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