About
A hurdy-gurdy powered by a sewing machine pedal and a bicycle wheel? It’s not an experiment, but the trademark of the band Poolidor. The French group will show at the Re:tradition – Jagiellonian Fair festival (21-23 August, Lublin) how entirely new sounds can be brought out of tradition.
The band is made up of Clément Royo and Gabriel Bonnin, professional musicians who, after many years of performing, decided to turn to the heritage of the Berry region, where Gabriel’s grandfather came from. This region in central France once had its own customs and dialect, and among its characteristic instruments were the bagpipes and the hurdy-gurdy.
Gabriel decided to use the hurdy-gurdy, modifying its construction to expand its sonic possibilities. To achieve this, he combined the instrument with his grandmother’s old sewing machine and… a bicycle wheel. The wheel replaced the traditional crank and was connected to the foot pedal of a Singer sewing machine. This setup not only makes it possible to create additional musical effects but also allows the hurdy-gurdy to produce sound without the use of hands. As a result, Gabriel can play the violin at the same time. And the cycling references do not end there – the band takes its name from the legendary French cyclist Raymond Poulidor.
During the festival concert, the band will be joined by Bachir Rouimi, a Moroccan singer and percussionist, whose presence will bring together the dance tunes of France’s Berry region with the musical soul of the Maghreb.
Details
When: Saturday, August 22, 20.30-22.00
Where: Main Stage, Dominikański Square
Admission free
About festiwalu Re:tradition – the Jagiellonian Fair festival
Re:tradition is an extraordinary festival of traditional music and craftsmanship. During three August days and nights, Lublin transforms into the capital of living traditional culture.
The festival program offers a wide range of attractions for both children and adults. It provides a unique opportunity to meet master artisans who, each year, showcase their exceptional handmade creations. Traditional music is also a key element of the Re:tradition festival, presented both in its authentic form and through the interpretations of contemporary artists.
The festival also features evening dance parties with live music, workshops, exhibitions, performances, film screenings, and meetings. Younger visitors can enjoy the Re:tradition Playground, where traditional games and pastimes are brought back to life.
The festival allows visitors to hear, see, touch, and experience folk culture, which during this time completely fills the streets of Lublin’s Old Town.
Details
Re:tradition – the Jagiellonian Fair
August 21-23, 2026
Lublin, the Old Town
Admission to the event is free.
Organizers: Warsztaty Kultury w Lublinie, Instytucja Kultury Miasta Lublin, Lublin Miasto Inspiracji
Honorary Patronage: President of the City of Lublin – Krzysztof Żuk
Co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland from the Culture Promotion Fund.
