Case Study: Slackline Show in Saint-Nazaire
Slackline show in Saint-Nazaire: acrobatic duo and workshops for the general public
For the City of Saint-Nazaire, the goal of the “Saint-Nazaire Côté Plages” event is simple every summer: to offer free activities, accessible to all ages, on the city’s 20 beaches. On July 9, 2023, at the skate park on Boulevard Albert 1er, Slackline Events this goal with a duo acrobatic slackline show and free introductory workshops available all day—a combination that far exceeded expectations.
Objectives: to revitalize the waterfront with a unique attraction
Saint-Nazaire Côté Plages is a program that the city has been running for several years. Its goal is to offer a wide range of free activities—including sports, cultural events, and family-friendly activities—in an area that attracts both local residents and tourists visiting the Loire-Atlantique region.
The goal for this day at the skate park was to attract a wide audience with a visually striking activity that anyone could try without prior experience. Slacklining met both of these criteria: it captures people’s interest from the very first moment, and it requires neither special equipment nor a particular level of physical fitness to give it a try.
It is this versatility that makes it a go-to attraction for public events by the sea, appealing to both families and groups.
Background & Challenge: Making a Niche Field Accessible to the General Public
The skate park on Albert 1st Boulevard is a busy spot in the summer. Across the street is the beach; all around are families, children, and passersby. The crowd isn’t a captive audience—it’s a constant stream of people who may or may not stop by.
The challenge for Slackline Events to make acrobatic slacklining—still relatively unknown to the general public—easy to understand and engaging in just a few seconds. No commentator, no screen. Just the performance and the connection with the audience.
The answer: two formats designed to work together, featuring scheduled show times and workshops that run continuously between performances.
Our solution: a duo performance and self-supporting slacklines
A two-person acrobatic show. Two performers on the same line, executing acrobatic moves in unison and taking turns. This format—technically demanding and visually striking—creates a powerful sense of surprise from the very first seconds and keeps the audience captivated throughout the entire show.
Two performance slots were scheduled: 2:00–2:30 p.m. and 5:30–6:00 p.m. This schedule made it possible to reach two distinct audiences on the same day.
The interactive element amplified this impact: one of the performers was equipped with a microphone and engaged with the audience in real time—commenting on the moves, answering questions, and inviting spectators to participate during the performance. This real-time interaction was at the heart of the show.
Free-access introductory workshops. Outside of show times, freestanding slacklines were set up on site—self-supporting structures that require no trees, poles, or special anchors. They were repositioned throughout the day to create a variety of setups: lines at different heights, obstacles, and challenges for navigating between the lines.
A similar system had already proven its effectiveness at the opening of the Forum Fribourg and at the Family Festival in Verbier. In both cases, the principle is the same: making the sport accessible without any delay.
→ Learn more about our acrobatic slackline show and our introductory workshop options.
Highlights: when the audience loses track of time
What stood out most about the day was the interaction between the performers and the audience. After the show, the participants—especially the children—came up to ask the artists questions directly: how to do a backflip on a slackline, how many years they’ve been doing it, if it’s dangerous, and how they got started.
Watching a performer talk about their journey, their years of training, and their fears—it’s an experience that stays with you long after the show is over. It inspires, it humanizes, and it makes you want to take the plunge.
As for the workshops, some participants stayed at the stations for anywhere from ten minutes to three hours. When a seaside crowd—which presumably has other options—chooses to stay for three hours, that’s the surest sign that an activity is truly a hit.
Results: The "Will You Be There Tomorrow?" Test
The clearest sign of a successful day isn’t always a number. At the skate park on Albert 1st Boulevard, as the day drew to a close, participants approached the performers to ask, “Will you be here tomorrow, too?” and “Will you be back next week?”
This kind of reaction suggests that the audience would have gladly stayed longer. This is rare for a free summer event, where there is fierce competition for people’s attention.
The City of Saint-Nazaire gave the event a positive review overall. Coverage of the event was featured on SaintNazaireNews.fr, the city’s local news outlet.
Tips for event organizers in Loire-Atlantique
Whether you're organizing a beach program, a neighborhood party, or a tourist event in the Pays de la Loire region, here's what you need to plan for to ensure a successful slackline activity:
Allow for an open space of about 15 × 5 m for freestanding slacklines. No anchors, no infrastructure—the equipment is freestanding and can be set up in 15 to 30 minutes on any flat surface.
Announce the show times clearly in advance (e.g., 2:00–2:30 p.m. and 5:30–6:00 p.m., as in Saint-Nazaire). Keep the workshops open between show times. This gives structure to the day and creates two distinct peak attendance times.
Combine the show with hands-on workshops: those who try it out before watching are much more engaged during the show. And those who have seen the show always want to try it out afterward. The two formats reinforce each other.
Consider the age groups: slacklining is suitable for children as young as 5. It appeals to all age groups—which is rare in event entertainment.
Plan for a full day rather than a half-day: this allows you to reach multiple streams of visitors at the same location, especially at the beach.
For a project in Loire-Atlantique or the Pays de la Loire region, you can book directly online or contact us at info@slackline-events.com.
Conclusion
The day at the Saint-Nazaire skate park illustrates what a slackline show can bring to a public event by the sea: long-term engagement, interaction between performers and the audience, and a positive experience for the organizer.
Are you looking for unique entertainment for a beach program or a summer event in Loire-Atlantique? Check out more examples in our case studies, or let’s discuss your project directly.
FAQ
What is a duo slackline show?
A duo slackline performance features two performers on the same line, executing acrobatic moves either simultaneously or in turn. This format is more visually striking than a solo show: it requires precise coordination between the two artists and offers greater variety in the moves. At public events, it keeps the audience’s attention throughout the entire performance.
Is slacklining suitable for children and beginners?
Yes. The introductory workshops are open to children ages 5 and up and require no prior experience. The slacklines used are low to the ground (just a few centimeters above the ground), stable, and the activity is supervised by a professional. Each participant progresses at their own pace, regardless of their physical condition or age.
How much space is needed to set up slacklines at an event?
An open area of about 15 × 5 m is sufficient for several freestanding slacklines. The structures are freestanding—no trees, poles, or special anchors are needed. Setup takes 15 to 30 minutes and requires no building permits. This system was used at the skate park on Boulevard Albert 1er in Saint-Nazaire, on a paved surface, without any site modifications.
How does the interactive aspect of a slackline show work?
During an interactive performance, a performer is equipped with a microphone and can engage with the audience in real time: commenting on the acts, answering audience questions, and sharing their background and emotions. This format transforms a visual performance into a genuine moment of interaction between the performers and the audience, making it particularly popular at family-friendly events and tourist attractions.
Can we combine a slackline performance with workshops at the same event?
Yes, and that’s the recommended approach. The show generates excitement and inspires people to get involved; the workshops allow everyone to experience it for themselves. The two formats complement each other and significantly increase the amount of time the audience spends at the event venue.
Can you do slacklining indoors?
Yes. Freestanding slacklines can be set up both outdoors (beaches, skate parks, parks, open spaces) and indoors (gyms, halls, event venues), provided the ceiling height is at least 2.5 meters. This setup is suitable for both seaside activities and corporate events in urban settings.
What is the budget for a slackline show in Saint-Nazaire?
Pricing depends on the package you choose (performance only, workshops only, or a combination package), the duration of the event, and travel distance. To get a quote tailored to your project in Loire-Atlantique, visit booking.slackline-events.com or email us at info@slackline-events.com.
Slackline Events outside of Switzerland, specifically in the Pays de la Loire region?
Yes. Slackline Events regularly Slackline Events events across France, including festivals, municipal events, and tourist attractions. Our performance at Saint-Nazaire Côté Plages in July 2023 is a prime example of this type of setup at a seaside city event. Check out our case studies for more examples.
What is Saint-Nazaire Côté Plages?
Saint-Nazaire Côté Plages is the City of Saint-Nazaire’s free summer entertainment program, held annually from late June to late August at the city’s 20 beaches. It features street performances, sports activities, cultural workshops, and festive events open to everyone.
Is highlining different from slacklining?
Yes. Slacklining is practiced at low heights and is suitable for workshops and acrobatic shows open to the general public. Highlining is practiced at great heights—sometimes between two cliffs or over a chasm—for visually spectacular outdoor performances with dramatic staging.
How do I book a slackline activity for an event in Loire-Atlantique?
Use our online booking tool to specify the location, date, desired format, and duration. We usually get back to you with a proposal within 48 hours.