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Fly high, with Albatross, your local accountant in La Côte. The Albatross Group  is one of Suisse Romande’s youngest and most exciting bilingual accountancy and tax firms. Based in Gland, between Lausanne and Geneva, they support both private individuals and small to medium-sized businesses with smart, flexible, and value-driven financial advice. Like the albatross itself, the firm takes a wide, sharp bird’s-eye view across industries and taxation environments, providing tailored services that help clients move onwards and upwards. Services include: Accounting and audit Personal and business tax Advisory services What sets Albatross apart is their friendly, approachable style, paired with clear explanations of each client’s financial position. This ensures that individuals and businesses alike can make confident, informed decisions. Albatross works alongside clients every step of the way, either in person or remotely via Microsoft Teams. They are more than accountants , they are partners in every stage of the journey. Website: https://albatross.swiss/en/ Contact: https://albatross.swiss/en/contact-us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/albatross-audit-et-conseils-s%C3%A0rl/ Headquarters in Gland Albatross Audit et Conseils Sàrl Av. du Mont-Blanc 91196 Gland Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 08.00 – 12.00 – 13.30 – 17.00 Wednesday : Closed Friday : 08.00 – 12.00 Telephone: +41 21 213 08 18 Contact Albatross Group today  for a consultation and mention Living In Nyon  when you reach out so they know how you found them. Alexander Clarke and the Albatross Team

Let’s be honest, tax isn’t everyone’s favourite subject. But luckily, we know someone who, not only enjoys it but knows how to make it work in your favour. If you’re thinking about buying property in Vaud or Geneva, well that’s the exciting part. Thinking about the tax implications? Maybe less so. That’s where Albatross Group  comes in. We’re delighted to welcome this young, bilingual accountancy firm to the Living in Nyon Directory. Based in Gland, Albatross helps both individuals and businesses make sense of their numbers with clear, practical advice. And to kick things off, they’re sharing insights on a hot topic: how real estate investments are taxed in Switzerland . No two tax situations are the same.  The tips below are a useful guide, but for advice that fits your circumstances, it’s best to speak directly with Albatross. Investing in Real Estate: A Tax Perspective Real estate is often seen as one of the most attractive long-term investments in Switzerland. But before you sign on the dotted line, it’s worth knowing how the tax authorities in Vaud and Geneva view your investment activity. Why? Because whether you’re considered an ordinary investor  or a professional real estate trader  can have a big impact on your tax bill. Ordinary vs. Professional Management The Swiss tax authorities distinguish between two categories: Ordinary asset management  – typical private investors buying property to generate rental income or secure long-term value. Professional real estate management  – individuals or companies actively trading, flipping, or developing property as a business activity. If your activity is classified as professional , any capital gains are fully taxable as income. That can have significant consequences. How is professional status decided? There’s no single rule. Instead, authorities look at a bundle of criteria, including: Frequency of buying and selling Use of borrowed capital Management of renovations or development projects Building or expanding a portfolio with regular transactions If too many of these apply, it may be smarter to structure your activity as a company from the start, rather than risk being reclassified later. An Everyday Example Take a couple living in Nyon who inherit some funds. They don’t currently own property but decide to buy an apartment to rent out for extra family income. This would generally fall under ordinary asset management . A straightforward investment scenario. Individual vs. Company Ownership When buying property, one of the key decisions is whether to hold it as an individual or through a company. Each option has pros and cons. A. Owning as an Individual Pros Simple to manage with lower administrative and accounting costs Real estate capital gains tax may be lower on privately property if held long term Cons Limited tax planning flexibility Risk of being reclassified as a professional trading in real estate Tax implications Rental income is added to your personal income (a significant impact if you are in a higher tax bracket) Wealth tax applies, based on the property’s tax value (close to market value) Real estate capital gains tax applies upon sale, with rates reducing the longer you hold the property B. Owning Through a Company Pros More options for efficient tax structuring Greater potential for reinvestment and long-term growth Less risk of being treated as a professional trader in real estate Cons Higher setup and operational costs Establishing a Swiss company can take up to three months, which must be factored into planning Why Planning Ahead Matters Buying a new build, taking on a renovation, or adding a rental property to your portfolio - in each case, tax plays a crucial role in shaping your overall returns. Ownership structure, financing method, and timing all make a difference. Planning in advance helps you avoid surprises and get the most from your investment. That’s where Albatross Group , your local accountant in La Côte, can make a real difference. With clear, practical advice and a sharp view of the bigger picture, they’ll guide you through the options and help you choose the structure that works best for your situation. From tax planning to long-term strategy, they’re here to ensure your property investment takes off smoothly. Thinking about a property investment? Start by understanding your numbers. Visit Albatross Group  in our Directory to learn more, or let us know in the comments below if you’d like to see more articles on tax and investment topics. Fly high, with Albatross.

Living in Nyon doesn’t run on algorithms or robots (thank goodness). It runs on people, three of us in fact, who care about this town and enjoy sharing its stories. We bring our own voices, ideas and passions to the mix, and together we keep LIN alive with the things that make Nyon special. As an association, we also enjoy welcoming new faces, so if you’d like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Mandy Bronsil Mandy has been an integral part of Living in Nyon team since 2020. She brings vibrant energy, local knowledge, and a real passion for connection. For her, this beautiful region is more than a place to live. It’s a community full of stories, opportunities, and inspiring people. A graduate of the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne and fluent in English, French, Dutch, and Spanish, Mandy’s career has taken her from team-building and career development workshops to launching her own consultancy, B-Inspired . She’s also a TEDx speaker, Mastermind founder, and the driving force behind The Clubhouse , a lively co-working and meetup space in the heart of Nyon. At LIN, Mandy uncovers what makes the town tick, from local artisans to community events and inspiring individuals. She believes community isn’t just where we live; it’s how we connect, support, and grow together. When she’s not writing or leading workshops, you might find her hosting a mastermind session, diving into improv, or enjoying a good games night. Her favourite part of Living in Nyon? Working alongside the people who make this town so creative, welcoming, and unique. Seema Sharma Seema has lived in the centre of Nyon for well over a decade, watching the town evolve while keeping its unique rhythm and charm. That mix of old and new is what she loves bringing to life at LIN; highlighting local businesses, profiling voices, and sharing what makes this town feel like home. With British roots, Indian heritage, and a Swiss home, Seema is drawn to the spaces where cultures meet and communities grow. She believes meaningful communication bridges people and communities - a belief that runs through everything she does. Beyond LIN, she works as a content writer and creative partner , helping individuals and organisations cut through the noise with clear, engaging copy and interview-style storytelling. She is also the founder of The Hormone Harmony Network , guiding women through the (peri)menopause transition with practical tools and compassionate support. Her favourite part of Nyon? Its energy. Especially in the summer, when the buzz of festivals captures the town’s creativity and community spirit. Chance Newcombe Bilham If there’s one thing Chance is good at, it’s starting new chapters. After two decades between the UK and US, he’s now firmly rooted in Nyon. What began as a love story with a Swiss woman has grown into something bigger: a love for the town itself, its people, and the everyday rhythm of life here. These days, he’s raising a young family, lacing up his tennis shoes whenever he can, and enjoying the small-town feel that makes Nyon special. At LIN, Chance looks after partnerships , bringing fresh ideas, curiosity, and a good dose of humour to the team. He’s another pair of hands and a welcoming voice, helping keep the site useful and true to its purpose. Most of all, he ensures LIN continues to do what it does best: connect people to the place we call home. You, our readers Want to say hello? The Living In Nyon team is always open to conversation, collaboration, and connection. Fancy a coffee and a chat? We can talk local tips, explore creative projects or ideas. It is great when we hear from our community. Send us an email or comment below!

Ever felt like juggling childcare, housework, and caring for elders is a never-ending puzzle? Are you a new expat navigating the complex Swiss childcare system or a busy parent trying to do it all? If life sometimes feels overwhelming, this local consultancy is here to help you put the pieces together. New to the Living In Nyon Directory, FamilyPro  is founded on one core belief: a balanced life isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. FamilyPro is putting this into action by hosting a free webinar exclusively for the Living In Nyon community (details to follow). If you're overwhelmed or stuck trying to navigate local childcare options especially after facing long waitlists or placement setbacks, this 45-minute session is a relaxed space to bring your questions and hear honest, practical answers and advice from local experts. Read on for more about the webinar below . What They Do FamilyPro isn’t just a nanny agency (although they’re great at that too). Think of them as a one-stop solution for busy lives supporting both private families and companies who want to help their employees feel more supported at home. They don’t just help you find the right person, they also help you do it the right way. Beyond that, they will guide you through Swiss legal and administrative details; contracts, insurance, permits so you can be sure to avoid any unwanted surprises or stresses further down the road. Here’s what they offer: Finding childcare solutions  – from navigating local crèches and waiting lists to recruiting reliable, professional nannies. Hiring housekeepers and domestic staff  – including cleaning help, meal prep, and even live-in support for families who travel. Supporting elder care  – helping families find the right kind of assistance for aging parents. Managing the admin  – contracts, insurance, payslips, withholding tax, permits… all taken care of. Everyday life help  – wellness bookings, dry cleaning pickup, pet care, travel bookings...the list goes on. Why It Matters If you’ve just moved to Switzerland or have lived here for years, you know that life admin is real, and in this country of rules, forms, and permits, it never really stops, it just evolves. The daycare spot doesn’t come through? Your work hours change? Maybe your child’s needs change, or you’re trying to figure out after-school activities that actually fit your schedule. Or you’re dealing with paperwork, deadlines, and the constant balancing act of family, work, and everything in between. FamilyPro can step in and help you make smart, informed choices, not guesswork. They know the legal requirements, the local systems, and the realities of Swiss life, so you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Getting the right support at home makes work-life balance possible. And even if things don’t fall into place straight away, there are  options, and there is  help. You don’t have to do it all. Trusted, Personal, and Professional Born out of experience, founders Patricia Matiz (left)  and Brigitte Mermoud (right)  met while working in the work-life balance field and knew they wanted to build something that made a difference. Patricia, a working mum who knows the stress of waitlists and last-minute babysitter emergencies all too well launched FamilyPro in 2023. Brigitte, with her own vast experience supporting families, including her own. Together, they’ve created something both deeply practical and truly warm. They speak English, French, Arabic, and Italian, and their clients include both international and Swiss families across the region. The Webinar: Let’s Talk Childcare! What Every Parent in Nyon Should Know If you're unsure where to start when it comes to childcare this one’s for you. Bring your childcare questions - navigating waitlists or figuring out costs, and get answers from people who know the local scene. Summer may feel like a break, but it’s also the perfect time to plan ahead for the next school year or look for backup after a crèche placement falls through. This is your chance to get informed and prepared before the August/September scramble. 📅 Date:  Thursday, 4th September ⏰ Time:  12:30 (approx. 45 minutes) 💻 Where: Online What FamilyPro will cover: Local childcare options (crèches, private care, nannies) How the Swiss system works What to do if you didn’t get a spot in a crèche Costs, applications, flexibility tips Q&A time to ask your specific questions It’s free and open to all - newcomers, long-timers, working parents, or anyone feeling a bit lost in the childcare maze. We’re so pleased to welcome them to the Living In Nyon community!

FamilyPro  is a local-based consultancy supporting families with childcare, housework, elder care, and home admin. From navigating local crèches and hiring nannies to handling contracts, permits, and payroll, they offer expert, personalised guidance making life in Switzerland easier and more manageable. Services are available in English, French, Arabic, and Italian. Website: www.familypro.ch Contact:  info@familypro.ch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/familypro-sàrl/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/familypro.sarl

We all know Migros for the go-to weekly shop, or if you live nearby like I do, the daily one. But there’s a whole lot more to this Swiss giant than bread rolls and barcodes. Founded in 1925, Migros has grown from a single delivery truck in Zurich to one of the country’s most trusted names. As we welcome Migros as a sponsor of Living In Nyon , we’re pulling back the curtain on one of Switzerland’s most quietly radical institutions. Because behind the iconic orange logo is a 100-year-old story of vision, values, and care. Migros isn’t just your local supermarket. It’s a pioneer in culture, cooperation, and social progress @Migros A Cooperative From Day One Way before “co-op” became a buzzword in start-up culture, Migros founder Gottlieb Duttweiler was thinking differently. In 1941, he gave the company away, quite literally, transforming Migros into a cooperative owned by its customers and employees. His aim? To serve people, not just profit and is grounded in the idea of shared benefit. The values he put in place to promote the co-existence of all cultures; accessibility, affordability, and community still shape everything Migros does today. What Is Migros Commitment? Every year, Migros reinvests around 140 million CHF into society through what’s now known as the Migros Commitment . That’s more than a slogan, it’s a vast umbrella of initiatives that reach far beyond retail. It spans education, the arts, innovation, the environment and more. It promotes culture, funds bold social projects, and helps people live healthier lives. Here's how it happens: The Migros Culture Percentage Officially introduced in 1957 (but inspired by Duttweiler’s thinking as early as the 1940s), this programme dedicates a percentage of Migros’ annual revenue to cultural and social projects. In real terms, for every CHF 100 you spend at Migros, roughly CHF 1 goes directly into enriching Swiss society. Gottlieb Duttweiler, who died in 1962 aged 74 @Migros This adds up to about CHF 121 million per year funding everything from parks and public concerts to the Ecole-Club Migros (which began offering affordable French and English classes back in 1944), museums, music festivals, and even contemporary art spaces. Since its launch, the Culture Percentage has invested over CHF 5.4 billion into Switzerland’s cultural and social fabric. That’s a big impact, quietly made. A 1944 Migros newspaper ad announces the launch of affordable language courses for cooperative members, offering classes in Italian, French, English, Spanish, and Russian for just 5 francs a month. @ Migros The Migros Pioneer Fund This is where innovation meets impact. Launched in 2012, the Pioneer Fund backs people with bold ideas that solve social problems. It's not afraid to take risks and is designed to support projects that tackle social and environmental challenges with fresh thinking and many of today’s most exciting community-driven projects got their start here. The Migros Aid Fund Since 1979, this fund has been supporting social and environmental projects, both in Switzerland and abroad. From  improving food security, championing women’s rights, or protecting biodiversity, the focus is always on meaningful, lasting impact. Why It Matters? Especially here in Nyon At LIN we value local connection, culture, and a sense of belonging, so Migros’ ethos feels right at home. From supporting Usine à Gaz to backing sustainability initiatives like Too Good To Go and La Banque Alimentaire, they’re not just present in the region, they’re a part of it. In the months ahead, we’ll dive deeper into the Migros story: exploring their impact, meeting the people behind the projects, and shining a light on what a true community-first business looks like. But for now, the next time you pick up your groceries, remember: your yoghurt and veggies are funding a whole lot more than dinner for you and your family. They’re helping fund education, art, inclusion, and opportunity, not just in Switzerland but right here in Nyon.

A Panel Discussion Hosted by Living In Nyon. In a world shaped by rapid change, hybrid workplaces, and AI-powered decisions, the definition of effective leadership is being rewritten. Today’s leaders face complexity like never before. This panel explores what it really takes to lead with clarity, purpose, and adaptability. Whether you're leading a team, a company, or your own career, this evening will offer insight, connection, and the kind of conversation that sparks real change. This isn’t just another panel. This is a conversation you need to be in.   Date: Wednesday 3rd September 2025 Time: 18:00 to 21:00 Venue: a.one Business Parc, Z. A. La Pièce 4, 1180 Rolle Price: CHF 30 (includes apéro ) Meet The Panel: Gaëlle Devins Ga ë lle Devi ns A powerhouse in executive coaching and transformation. A corporate leader, executive coach, founder, thought leader, consultant, author, and speaker. She is currently serving as Chief Customer Officer & Member of the Executive Bo ard at Breitling and also sits on the Advisory Board of ICG Crimson Galleries LLC. Ga ë lle brings sharp insight into what modern leaders need to thrive. She's known for turning potential into performance and guiding leaders through complex change. Guido Gianasso Guido Gianasso Professor of Leadership at HEC Paris and former CHRO of the International Air Transport Association, Guido blends global HR expertise with academic depth. He’ll unpack leadership from a global, future-ready perspective. Andrea Gerosa Andrea Gerosa Social entrepreneur and founder of ThinkYoung, Andrea brings the voice of youth into leadership. He’s all about bridging generations and designing inclusive, forward-looking strategies. Barbara Lax Barbara Lax Founder of Little Green House, Barbara is an award-winning entrepreneur who knows how to lead with purpose, vision, and heart. Her experience blends business acumen with human-centric leadership. Moderator: Mike Mansell With a sharp wit and deep facilitation skills, Mike knows how to spark real dialogue. He’ll keep the conversation engaging, insightful, and a little unpredictable. Here’s what to expect on the night: 18:00–18:30  | Doors open & arrival 18:30–18:40  | Welcome & introduction by Living in Nyon 18:40–19:20  | Individual interviews with panellists, hosted by Mike Mansell 19:20–19:50  | Panel discussion & audience Q&A 19:50–20:00  | Closing remarks by Living in Nyon 20:00–21:00  | Networking apéro   Come for the insights. Stay for the conversations and the connections (and yes, the wine!). Secure your ticket.

@Ville de Nyon Looking for a local way to celebrate Swiss National Day this year? Nyon has a full day of activities planned for Friday 1 August , starting with a morning gathering and ending with fireworks by the lake. Morning Ceremony Things kick off at 10:15 a.m.  on the Esplanade des Marronniers  with an ecumenical celebration ( a religious event or service that involves or is open to people from different Christian denominations ). After the ceremony, the Municipality will offer a free aperitif for everyone. If it rains, the event moves indoors to the town hall at Perdtemps. Evening Events Festivities resume in the evening at the same location with another aperitif at 7:45 p.m. , accompanied by the Nyon Municipal Band. Children will be given small Swiss flags to wave. The official ceremony  begins at 8:25 p.m.  with speeches, music, and the traditional reading of the Federal Pact of 1291. Mayor Daniel Rossellat will preside over the official programme, opened with the ringing of church bells and musical accompaniment by the band. Muriel Cardinaux, President of the Municipal Council, will read the Federal Pact of 1291 , followed by a patriotic prayer, a pastoral message from Pastor Sarah‑Isaline Golay (EERV), and a patriotic address by Jean Studer. The ceremony concludes with the Swiss national anthem. Procession and Fireworks At around 9:15 p.m. , a torchlit procession led by the band will make its way through town to the Place des Fêtes de Rive . Expect some road closures along the route. Once at the Rive, the evening continues with food stalls, drinks, music, and dancing organised with the support of local lakefront associations. The fireworks and bonfire  will start at 10:15 p.m. , and Nyon Castle will be lit up in red and white to mark the occasion. A Quick Look at the History The 1st August is Swiss National Day, an official National Holiday since 1994. It celebrates the day in 1291 that the three cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden signed the Letter of Confederation, pledging to help each other in the case of an attack.There are many ways of celebrating this day throughout the country within the cantons and each one has their own unique ways; brunch at your local farm, traditional musical performances, parades, bonfires, fireworks, children carrying lanterns with the Swiss flag and friends and families getting together. Happy Swiss National Day From Living In Nyon!

Thursday 1st August 2024 is Swiss National Day – an official National Holiday since 1994. It celebrates the day in 1291 that the three cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden signed the Letter of Confederation, pledging to help each other in the case of an attack.There are many ways of celebrating this day throughout the country within the cantons; brunch at your local farm, bonfires, fireworks, children carrying lanterns with the Swiss flag and friends and families getting together. Political Commitment is in the Spotlight this year in Nyon Nyon’s National Day will highlight the contributions of two important people: Ms. Jessica Jaccoud, a National Councilor and former member of both the Grand Council and Nyon’s Municipal Council, and Mr. Daniel Grosjean, President of the Municipal Council. The event, led by Mr. Olivier Riesen, Municipal Councilor, will start on the Esplanade des Marronniers and move to the Rive area in the evening for fireworks and a bonfire. Children will receive flags, and there will be a lantern-making workshop at the Musée du Léman for a fun, creative activity. Ecumenical Celebration The Municipality-organized National Day will kick off at 10:15 on the Esplanade des Marronniers with an ecumenical celebration which is a religious event or service that involves or is open to people from different Christian denominations.  In the event of rain, it will move to the town hall in Perdtemps. Following the ceremony, participants can enjoy an aperitif, fostering a friendly community atmosphere. Evening Aperitif At 19:45, the City of Nyon will host a popular aperitif on the Esplanade des Marronniers, accompanied by the lively tunes of the Municipal Band. Children in attendance will be given flags to wave in celebration. Official Ceremony The official ceremony, commencing at 20:25, will be inaugurated by the pealing bells of the temple and Catholic church, harmonized with the Municipal Band and the Nyon Singers. Highlights include: Reading of the Federal Pact of 1291 by Mr. Daniel Grosjean. Patriotic Prayer and message from Mr. Kevin Bonzon, Pastor at the EERV. Patriotic speech by Ms. Jessica Jaccoud. Closing with the national anthem. Procession Around 21:15, a procession led by the Nyon Abbey and the Municipal Band will depart from the Esplanade des Marronniers to Place des Fêtes de Rive. The procession will follow the Route du Cordon, Quais Louis-Bonnard and Quais des Alpes, and Rue de Rive, with traffic halted during this time. Fireworks and Bonfire At 22:15 down at the lake will be the much anticipated spectacular fireworks display and a traditional bonfire. Nyon Castle will be beautifully decorated with the colors of the federal flag. Lantern-Making Workshop In preparation for the festivities, the Musée du Léman will host a lantern-making workshop on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, from 14:00 to 16:00.  Children aged 4 and above, with or without parental accompaniment, can decorate and assemble their own lanterns. The two-hour workshop costs 7 francs per lantern, including a snack. To register, contact the museum by phone, email, or visit their website. Phone: 022 316 42 50 Email: info@museeduleman.ch Happy Swiss National Day!

What happens when 30 talented young performers come together to stage one of the world’s most iconic musicals? You get the kind of production that stirs the soul and brings a whole community to its feet. This summer, GAOS (Geneva Amateur Operatic Society) is bringing Les Misérables: School Edition  to Nyon and it’s a show you won’t want to miss. Not just because of its unforgettable music and emotional depth, but because of the passion powering it behind the scenes. At the helm is director Sarah Irwin , who first stepped onto a GAOS stage at the age of five. Since then, she’s done it all; performing, building sets, calling cues, and even (accidentally) painting herself while working on props. These days, she juggles her love of theatre with roles as a PE teacher, netball coach, and after-school musical theatre teacher at Collège du Léman. This is her second time directing for the GAOS Youth Company last year it was High School Musical . This year, she’s taking it up a gear. A Musical with Muscle Why Les Misérables ? “It's my all-time favourite show,” says Sarah. “The music, the story, the emotion - it’s powerful. So when GAOS asked me to direct the school edition, I was honoured.” Due to the ongoing international tour, rights to the full version are restricted. But the youth edition, exclusively available to under-18 performers, gave GAOS the perfect opportunity to challenge their cast with something bold, dramatic, and deeply human. “The show’s themes - hope, resilience, and injustice, are timeless. We all face tough moments, and Les Mis  reminds us that holding onto hope and looking out for each other can really make a difference.” Sarah Irwin Director. Sarah also played Wishee Washee in the GAOS production of Aladdin. A Global Story With Local Heart First staged in Paris in 1980, Les Misérables  has become one of the world’s most beloved musicals. Translated into 22 languages, seen by over 130 million people, and winner of more than 100 international awards. Set in 19th-century France and based on Victor Hugo’s masterpiece, it follows the journey of Jean Valjean, a man seeking redemption in a world stacked against him. Its score is legendary, featuring unforgettable songs like: I Dreamed a Dream On My Own Bring Him Home One Day More Master of the House With Boublil and Schönberg (both French creators) at the helm and an original Paris production directed by Robert Hossein, Les Misérables  is a musical that lives and breathes the human spirit. Now, this powerful story is finding new life in Nyon through the voices of its youngest performers. Young Cast, Big Feelings How do teens connect with such epic storytelling? Sarah asked her cast directly Teenagers still have that youthful wonder. We see problems and want to change things, that makes us connect deeply with the story. Just look at youth-led movements around the world. - Luke  (Javert) As teens, we definitely feel things intensely, adds. I’ve seen friends act just as dramatically in love as Éponine! I just draw on that energy from real life. - Morwenna  (Éponine) Their answers reflect what Sarah sees every week in rehearsal: real emotional engagement, commitment, and a hunger to perform from the heart. Behind the Curtain. Flags, Paint, and Countryside Runs Rehearsals have been anything but dull. In fact, laughter has been just as vital as lines. One of the actors, Sam, keeps waving random objects; disco balls, ladles, umbrellas, etc instead of a flag during scenes. It's become a game now as to how long it will take people to notice! There are post-rehearsal countryside runs where scenes are re-enacted mid-jog, moments of spontaneous games, and yes some paint-related mishaps. It’s in these moments, with the joy, the silliness, the teamwork, that theatre comes alive. Why It Matters for Nyon Sarah believes this production is a gift to the local community. It’s powerful. It’s moving. And it’s accessible. “This version is a little shorter (about 2h30 including intermission) and more affordable than a professional production, so it’s perfect for families". And who knows, someone in the audience might get inspired to try theatre themselves. On stage or backstage, this could be their entry point. It takes hundreds of hours and a huge team to bring a show like this to life. By coming to see it, you’re not just watching you’re supporting local talent. Some of these young performers may go on to incredible things. This is your chance to say, 'I saw them before they made it big'. Whether it’s your first time seeing Les Mis , or your tenth, you’re guaranteed to leave humming the songs and feeling good inside. And in a region like Nyon, where creativity and community thrive, this feel-good ripple effect matters. Show Details Les Misérables: School Edition by the GAOS Youth Company 📅 August 29–31, 2025 📍 Théâtre de Marens , Nyon 🎟️ Tickets on sale via gaos.ch Performances include evening shows plus a Saturday matinee which is ideal for families! WIN Tickets! We’re giving away 2 complimentary tickets to the Saturday 30 August, 14:00 matinee performance! To enter, just answer this question: What is the nationality of the creators of Les Misérables? Fill out the form by midday Friday, 15 August 2025 .

If you’ve been to a local festival lately - from Gland’s American Backstage to the Fan Zone for Euro 2024 you may have spotted a group cheering, dancing, and energising the crowd with high-flying routines. Meet Cheerlacote , the cheerleading team based in Begnins, and one of the region’s dynamic youth sports groups. What is Cheerlacote? Founded in the La Côte area by Geraldine Schauenberg and Nadine Magnin, Cheerlacote is open to girls and boys aged 9 to 16. Their mission is to make cheerleading accessible, fun, and empowering for local youth. But forget the pom-poms clichés, this is a serious sport, combining gymnastics, dance, coordination, strength, flexibility, and teamwork. Cheerleading is as athletic as it is artistic. Think pyramids, flips, jumps, and sharp synchronised moves all while keeping that big team spirit alive. It’s about precision, trust, and having each other’s backs (literally, in some stunts). Based in Begnins, Rooted in Community Though their routines are sharp and their presence feels pro, Cheerlacote is very much a local team with community spirit at its core. They train in Begnins, but you’ll see them performing across the region bringing hype, energy, and a whole lot of flair to events big and small. Whether it’s cheering on Switzerland during the Euros or firing up the crowd at local sports days, Cheerlacote isn’t just about competition, they’re about connection. Open to anyone with or without experience Cheerlacote regularly offers free trial sessions. It’s a great way for kids to test the sport, make new friends, and build confidence in a supportive environment. With structured training and experienced coaching, beginners are quickly brought up to speed, flipping optional (for now). More Than Just Moves: Life Skills in Action Aside from the high-energy routines, Cheerlacote teaches valuable life skills. Teamwork is central, nobody stunts alone. Add in coordination, discipline, physical fitness, and trust, and you’ve got a sport that develops both body and mindset. It’s also a great confidence builder. Kids learn to support each other, perform in front of crowds, and push their limits, safely and positively. Backed by the Swiss Cheer Association Cheerlacote is affiliated with the Swiss Cheer Association, which ensures proper training standards and safety practices. It also opens the door for teams to eventually take part in regional and national competitions. Want to Join or Watch? For updates, photos, and sign-up details, check out their Facebook page , Instagram page or their website .