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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 .

Sometimes, you just know that it’s time for a change. A new season rolls in, the sun returns (finally!) and suddenly that old haircut just isn't cutting it and  you’re ready to see something different in the mirror. That’s where Prestige & Sensation  comes in. This welcoming lakeside salon in Nyon is more than just a beauty spot, it’s a space to recharge, refresh, and walk out feeling more you  than ever. Thinking About a New Look? Here’s your sign. Prestige & Sensation is offering a free personalised hair consultation  to help you figure out your next look. No pressure, no fuss. Just expert advice tailored to you. Whether you’re after a mini update or a total reinvention, it’s the perfect excuse to shake things up (and treat yourself a little in the process). Why Reinventing Yourself Feels So Good We all fall into routines, same style, same skincare, same pace. But even a small switch-up can give you a serious mood boost. A new haircut? Feels like turning the page. Glowing skin? Feels like catching up on sleep. It’s not about chasing trends, it’s about choosing yourself. Who am I today? Prestige & Sensation gets that. What Makes This Salon So Special? This isn’t a rush in and rush out kind of appointment. It’s calm. It’s friendly and welcoming. It’s just a few steps from the the stunning clear waters of Lac Léman. And most importantly, it’s built around you . Here’s a taste of what they offer: Calligraphy Cut®  – for movement and volume (curly-haired readers, take note!) Ammonia-free colour  – with nourishing oils for happier, shinier hair Custom facials  – for that just-glowed-up  feeling Brow shaping, lash extensions, mani-pedis  – and yes, waxing and threading too Each treatment is carefully tailored because no two clients are the same, and your look should reflect that. Not Just Another Beauty Appointment This isn’t a rushed in-and-out kind of place. It’s calm, welcoming, and right by the lake. Walk in with with a head full of everything, errands, emails, life. Walk out lighter, reset and ready to go. Ready for Something New? Pop into Prestige & Sensation and enjoy a no-strings-attached personalised hair consult. It’s an easy way to explore a new look. A little change can go a long way. Catch up on our previous articles on the salon below.

All images in this article @Michel Perret "La Table du 10" marks a new chapter for Nyon’s ex-police station! Despite a high interest for the building to be rented as commercial spaces, the Ville de Nyon has favoured a restaurant that will allow people to come together and bring more energy around the chateau area. It has therefore become"La Table du 10", a restaurant that blends history with modernity, creating a place that serves the community while honouring the building’s past. A Vision for Community and Creativity The goal is to create a space that complements the surrounding area, bringing together local businesses and diners in a welcoming atmosphere. Chef Philippe Lehmann brings creativity to the menu, with dishes that highlight local products and flavors. His focus is on providing sustainable, imaginative meals that reflect the best of the region. Preserving History with Modern Design One of the interesting aspects of La Table du 10 is how it balances the building's historical significance with contemporary design. The team of architects preserved the original structure while integrating modern materials. Upcycled flooring and other sustainable design choices not only enhance the space’s character but also contribute to a more eco-friendly atmosphere. A "window into the kitchen" through the mirrored wall lets diners connect with the chefs, adding an interactive element to the dining experience. Quality and Service: A Dining Experience to Remember What sets La Table du 10 apart is its focus on quality service. From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel the team’s commitment to making every guest feel valued. One of the selection criteria was to choose a partner for this space that was going to put the customer experience and guest service first to ensure guests have a memorable experience. This dedication to quality is seen not only in the food but also in the way the team interacts with guests, ensuring everything is just right. Be one of the first guests! La Table du 10 opens its doors on the 1st of April 2025 (no joke!) Have a look at their website here or jump straight to their menu .

GAOS is back this spring with a daring reimagining of Jesus Christ Superstar and we’ve got 2 free tickets to give away for Saturday 31 May matinee at 14:00 at Théâtre de Marens, Nyon. A Rock Opera Like No Other Love live theatre? Rock music? Epic storytelling? Here's your chance to experience Jesus Christ Superstar  like never before. GAOS (Geneva Amateur Operatic Society) is back again and this time with a bold, modern take on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award winning iconic rock opera. Think powerful vocals, high-energy choreography, and the most famous betrayal in history, reimagined with a contemporary twist. From soaring anthems to intense drama, this show dives deep into timeless themes of faith, fame, power and sacrifice. GAOS’s modern interpretation adds a fresh twist with hip-hop choreography, raw athleticism , and an immersive staging that pulls you straight into the emotional heart of the story As cast member Katerina Akulich puts it: "Jesus Christ Superstar, rock opera, is a true emotional roller coaster—it takes you from laughter in its ironic, even playful moments, to deep sadness as it explores themes of humanity, violence, and betrayal. It’s a bold, unconventional take on one of the most famous stories ever told... This is a rare chance to see such a unique production in Switzerland, especially in the Romandie. If you’ve never seen it before, this is the perfect moment—an unforgettable way to spend your Ascension weekend." So expect drama, passion, and unforgettable music from the show that redefined musical theatre. About GAOS GAOS (Geneva Amateur Operatic Society) is a vibrant English-language theatre company bringing people together through a shared love of musical theatre. Founded in 1971 and run entirely by volunteers, GAOS is known for its top-notch productions and welcoming, international community. They stage three major shows a year: Winter Show A traditional family pantomime in December, full of colour, humour and big casts of all ages. This year’s production is Elf: The Musical. Audition info here Spring Show A large-scale production with live orchestra, like Jesus Christ Superstar. Past hits include Rent, Sister Act, and South Pacific. Youth Show A full-scale musical each August led by performers aged 12–21. This year: Les Misérables. More info here Beyond the stage, GAOS runs workshops, socials, and creative events to build connection, confidence and community through the arts. How to Win 2 Free Tickets We're giving away 2 tickets  for the Saturday 31 May matinee at 14:00. To enter, just answer this question: Who is the lyricist of Jesus Christ Superstar? Click here to enter the giveaway Entries close Tuesday 27 May at MIDDAY. One lucky winner will be drawn at random and notified that afternoon. Good luck! 🎟 Click here for show info & bookings Thanks to GAOS for offering this brilliant giveaway and for continuing to bring high-quality, inclusive theatre to the local community.

Meet Jana Bachollet, Owner of Webulous Jana is the website designer behind Living in Nyon’s fresh new look. With a real feel for both design and community, she helped us bring the site to life in a way that feels both modern and true to its roots. We’re incredibly thankful for her skill, care, and patience throughout the process and we’re so happy to have her as part of the extended LIN family. Keep reading to hear what the redesign process was really like AND to find out about the AI website workshop she’s running right here in Nyon. When I first moved to St-Cergue in 2019, just a short train ride up the mountain from Nyon, I did what most newcomers do, I typed “things to do in Nyon” into Google. Time and again, Living in Nyon  popped up, offering the kind of local knowledge you won’t find in any guidebook. It felt like a friend gently pointing me in the right direction towards the best cafés, weekend activities, and local festivals. I didn’t know it then, but those helpful articles were written by people just like me: expats who had fallen in love with this region. Fast-forward to six months ago, when I first met Mandy and Seema to talk about redesigning the website. We clicked straight away (pun slightly intended). Not just because we all got on so well, but because we shared a vision - of a site that feels current, easy to use, and still community-led. Jana Bachollet - Webulous A Few Things I Learnt About Living In Nyon 🔸 It’s not just a blog.  It’s a hub for the international community in and around Nyon, lovingly built to help people settle in and feel at home. 🔸 Since 2008, nearly 2,000 articles have been published , written by just three contributors. That’s an impressive archive of stories, tips, and local knowledge. And yes, migrating all of that from WordPress to Wix was no small feat! Let’s just say it involved some digital puzzle-solving. 🔸 Redesigning a website is never just about tech.  It’s also about getting crystal clear on what the site stands for and what the audience needs. Seema and Mandy had to rethink, reframe, and rewrite sections to better reflect the heartbeat of this community. And they did. The new  site is lighter, faster, and easier to navigate. But more importantly, it still feels like Living In Nyon . Full of heart, full of community, and ready to welcome the next person searching for a place to belong. If you’re new to the area or you’ve been here a while, I hope this site continues to be the friendly digital guide it was for me when I first arrived. – Jana Curious About Building Your Own Website? Jana is running a hands-on workshop in Nyon She doesn't Code to show you how to use AI to build a website and the best part? No tech background needed! Perfect for small business owners, reatives, or anyone with an idea to share. You’ll leave with the first version of your live site. Wednesday, 18 June 10:00–12:00📍 The Clubhouse: Rue Nicole 3, centre of Nyon Bring your laptop 50 CHF Limited spaces (5 spots left) 🔗 Register here:   www.shedoesntcode.com/workshop

Admin Headaches? Not Here. Introducing Living in Nyon’s newest sponsor: Numeriq Let’s be honest, Swiss payroll isn’t exactly exciting apéro conversation. But for expats, freelancers, and international companies working in Switzerland, understanding how it works is essential… and often overwhelming. Social security, pension contributions, tax-at-source, accident cover, contracts, there’s a lot to get right, and even more that can go wrong. That’s why we’re delighted to introduce Numeriq Payroll , our newest Living in Nyon sponsor  and a company doing things a little differently. Based in Geneva, Numeriq specialises in making Swiss payroll simple, compliant, and stress-free, especially for independent contractors and foreign companies. The best part? They do it with a refreshingly human approach. What is Swiss Payroll? In Switzerland, employers are responsible for handling all sorts of contributions on behalf of employees: AVS (social security), pension (LPP), accident insurance (LAA), and taxes (if applicable). If you’re a contractor, or a company hiring one, it’s your job to get all of this right unless you can outsource to a payroll provider. What Numeriq Offers Numeriq operates as an Employer of Record (EOR), employing contractors on behalf of clients. This model ensures full compliance with Swiss labor laws, including social insurance, pensions, and taxes. Whether you're an individual contractor, a Swiss company, or a foreign firm, Numeriq provides a comprehensive payroll solution tailored to your needs. Perks, People & Peace of Mind: The Numeriq Way 1. Premium Accident Insurance In Switzerland, employers are required to provide accident insurance for employees working more than 8 hours per week. Numeriq goes a step further by ensuring that, in the event of an accident, you're entitled to a private hospital room, for more comfort during recovery. 2. Timely Payments Cash flow is crucial, especially when clients have extended payment terms. Numeriq addresses this by ensuring that you receive your salary at the end of each month, regardless of when the client settles the invoice. This approach provides financial stability and peace of mind. 3. They handle the boring stuff for you Numeriq takes care of all the paperwork contracts, insurance, tax deductions social charges so you can focus on doing your thing while they keep things running smoothly behind the scenes for you. You do the work while they do the paperwork. 4. Community Building Being an independent contractor can sometimes feel isolating. Numeriq has built a sense of community among its employees by regular apéros and networking events, affectionately termed "Numeriqos". These gatherings offer opportunities to connect, share experiences, and build professional relationships. 5. Transparent and Responsive Service Numeriq prides itself on delivering excellent and transparent service. Whether you have questions about immigration, social insurance, pensions, or tax-at-source, their team is readily available to provide clear and timely answers, ensuring you feel supported throughout your engagement. How to Get Started. Getting set up with Numeriq is simple: 1. Get a Simulation : Use their online tool or schedule a call to discuss your payroll needs. 2. Define Contract Terms : Provide necessary details to create your employment contract. 3. Onboard via the Platform : Complete the onboarding process through Numeriq's user-friendly portal. 4. Work and Get Paid : Submit your timesheets and expenses to receive your salary promptly. Want to Know More? If you’re an independent contractor, international consultant, or a company hiring in Switzerland, Numeriq can help simplify your life. Check them out here  and see how easy Swiss payroll can actually be.

A big part of Paléo’s long lasting success lies in the way the festival is made to be as welcoming as possible. As just about anyone who has lived the Paléo experience knows, there’s much more to a day on the grounds than going to see the concert you were really excited about. The number of good quality food stalls and the special attention the organisers give to making the grounds as enjoyable as possible are one of the reasons that make most people who come to Paléo want to come back the following year. Paléo works like a temporary town of 50’000 people that pops up for a week, with its different “neighbourhoods” with their own distinctive vibe and flavours. The food stalls are thematically organised throughout the grounds, with all eastern food situated in the top right hand corner of the grounds, next to Le Detour, the stage dedicated to international discoveries (don’t miss out on the bands playing here, as this is one of the places to be to discover the latest musical trends!). Paléo has upped their plant-based food game these past couple of years, as I remember having to choose from a selection of about two stalls to find something I could eat. But that time has gone, and most stalls on the festival now have a tasty vegetarian/vegan option. This is obviously quite easy when it comes to stalls that serve Indian food, and le Paprika is an old favourite. They offer fresh Naans cooked in their tandoori oven alongside rice and daal, and tasty samosas. Just opposite, the Himalayan outpost of Tashi Momo serve the delicious steamed Tibetan dumplings, that come in vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions. Don’t forget to check out their fiery chilli paste- but be warned, it is as hot as it is tasty! One of the most special areas of the festival is undoubtedly the Village du Monde, which acts like a “festival in a festival”. On top of the amazing concerts hosted under the big top, where you get to see a mix of the best contemporary takes on musical traditions of Central America, an extra special effort is put into the scenography of the Village du Monde. This year, three pyramid like structures are made to invoke the sacred Mayan pyramids. It’s a perfect spot to sit down and enjoy the music or have a bit to eat, while getting to tower over the rest of the crowd. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful artwork made of powdered paint and wood shavings, painstakingly made by hand, the best view is from the top of one of the pyramids! This is obviously the place to enjoy a nice burrito or taco, which both exist in versions with marinated tofu (and guacamole! I don’t need much more to be happy!). A nice refreshing treat can be found at a small stall selling fresh sugar cane juice that comes in two versions: normal and ginger. Perfect after a stroll round the grounds! The Village du Monde also has two bars situated at two ends of the area, selling cocktails and a selection of beers from across the world (sadly nothing to get too excited about, I still long for the day where it’ll be possible to enjoy craft beer on the grounds…) The bar de l'Escale (the one at the far end of the Village du Monde) also boasts its own stage, and quite a few of the bands playing under the Dôme come here for 15 minute intimate sets. A perfect way to enjoy amazing artists in a different setting and energy. You can find the program for the Escale here. Walking back down from the Village du Monde, don’t miss out on the caravan selling vegan burgers and the vintage Salt and Rocks caravan who do fish and chips- I can vouch for the chips and the mushy peas. Exactly what you feel like after a concert on the main stage, when it starts getting dark and you need something to fill your stomach. This brings us to another magical area of the festival, the wondrous sculptures of expert craftsmen and metal artists Monic La Mouche. Their love affair with Paléo has been going on for quite some time now, and they never fail to deliver. Their rough yet delicate light installations are a delight to look at by day and by night, transforming when the sun goes down and the lights turn on. The main big structure at the top of the hill also hosts a photo exhibition, with photos of the festival taken by the same photographers whose work you can enjoy in la Gallerie. This is a perfect place to enjoy the concerts on the main stage in a low-key way, lounging in the grass, and just listening to the music, or depending on how many people there are in the crowd, even actually seeing the artists on stage. At the bottom of the slope resides one of the most special areas of the whole grounds. La Ruche has been inviting festivalgoers into its magical and creative universe for ten years now, and is the place to go for street theatre and circus. You can enjoy a series of very different shows here, from the poetic and philosophical musings of the ZUL- Lemanic Utopian Zone- to the romantic and musical experience of Vladimir Spoutnik who you can also catch around the grounds with his soviet-themed mobile disco. The key attraction is obviously Cirque Pardi’s beautiful circus tent. Enter their awe-inducing and poetic universe for an 80 minute show of wonder, incredible feats and clowning. I have met up with some of the people working behind the scenes of la Ruche, so don’t miss out very soon on a deeper delve into this enchanting place. La Ruche also sends out artists throughout the grounds to liven up the festival in between shows, so if you come across a couple of seedy looking surfers or some wondrous and weird creatures, don’t worry, it’s not too much sun and beer, but just another theatre troupe here to make you laugh and dream! A special heads up to Collectif M et Vous , a young circus collective who are currently studying in one of the most prestigious professional circus schools in France, and who are here to share with you their insane acrobatic skills. Working on the themes of collaboration and trust, they perform twice a day for twenty minutes behind the Terrasse , above the main stage, usually just before and after the first concert on the main stage. Don’t miss their show, you won’t regret it!

Good fortune- and the sun- continued to shine on Paléo, as Wednesday turned out to be another very hot and sunny day. The evening was set under the sign of loud decibels and heavy guitar riffs, with a fair amount of the line-up dedicated to metal. The main event of the night was obviously the hard-rock legends of Iron Maiden, and their crazy spectacle of a concert. The coming of Iron Maiden to Paléo was obviously quite an event, a brought together a huge crowd of metal-heads and Maiden fans. They were hard to miss in the crowd, as it looked like on in every five people was wearing one of the band's t-shirts! From craggy old rockers with long beards and tattoo-covered arms to young kids happily bearing their first ever Iron Maiden t-shirt, it was a motley crowd, assembled in front of the main stage for a celebration of loud music and explosive guitar. The crowd was most definitely alive, and ready to go when the stage-hands stripped back the black fabric covering most of the stage, revealing an impressive construction of an abandoned Maya temple (in theme with their latest album, Book of Souls), and Bruce Dickinson, lead singer of the band, dramatically appeared on top of the set, back to the crowd and his hood up. Smoke billowed out from some magical stone pot, and flames lit up on each side of the stage, as the rest of the band ran out to meet the crowd and begin two hours of the best performance you could have hoped for. Starting off with two songs from their latest album, things got real when they hit Children of the Damned , an all-time classic, introduced in perfect French by Dickinson. “Most of the people in the crowd probably weren't born when this song came out”, he said, before adding “maybe your parents conceived you listening to this! 35 000 people right here, thank you Iron Maiden!” If the crowd had been enthusiastic up to then, they went crazy as everybody started singing, clapping and air-guitaring (it's part of the fun!) through the song. You could see little clouds of dust above the areas of the crowd turned into mosh pits, with ecstatic people happily dancing/throwing themselves onto each other (I must admit I was one of them!). The beauty of such a crowd is that although these places can be quite rough, they are based on mutual respect, and every time someone slipped, there were immediately eight hands ready to pick them back up again. Very different from some of the techno concerts were you just find people who want to be aggressive and don't give a damn about the others. The band didn't fail to deliver some crazy guitar solos, from all three guitarists and also from bass player Steve Harris. Running across the stage, from one side to the other, throwing their guitars up in the air or grouping up to play together, they showed Paléo that they can still put on a show despite four decades of concerts. Most of all, they seemed to be having lots of fun, and playfully interacted with the crowd. Another fixture of a Maiden concert is obviously the appearance of their zombie mascot, Eddie, here a three meter high giant who came on stage wielding a hatchet and attacking the band before getting his heart dramatically ripped out by Dickinson and thrown into the crowd! Slightly later on, it was an ever larger model of Eddie that appeared at the back of the stage, and a 15 meter high replica of his torso leered over the crowd before disappearing in a blaze of fire-crackers. As the concert came to an end, Dickinson took it out on the Swiss sound regulations, limiting the decibels for the concert, apologising to the crowd that the music “wasn't loud enough”, and on the sight of a French flag in the crowd, launched into a touching tirade about the events in Nice and the importance that we are all part of the same humanity, whatever our colour, gender or nationality. Most importantly, “as long as you like Iron Maiden and beer, you're one of us!” he shouted, before launching into aptly named Blood Brothers. When they had finally left, after throwing wrist bands, drumsticks etc. into the crowd at the end of the concert, it was an exhausted but happy crowd that slowly drifted towards something to eat, a place to sit or maybe just some more music to jump to. When you do folk covers of metal songs, you get "acoustic mosh pits" Metal and hard-rock were celebrated in all kinds of ways on Wednesday night, and apart from some more bands playing the genre, from melodic metal band the Raven Age (whose guitarist is the son of Iron Maiden bass player Steve Harris), to Swiss folk metal band Eluveitie , there were two rather special and eccentric bands playing. The first were the crazy bagpipe toting Scots from Red Hot Chili Pipers , who delighted the crowd gathered under the Dôme to hear their covers of rock classics. At the same time (the trick at Paléo is getting to see several concerts taking place at the same time!) on the second open air stage, Steve'n'Seagulls were showcasing their folk covers of metal songs . These two wacky projects, complete with slightly cheesy puns (but they're the best anyway), were very entertaining, and were enjoyable as much for people less into loud guitars and drums, as well as hardcore fans who loved every song they covered. The night ended with French rock band Louise Attaque, who have been playing for the last 20 years, and hadn't come back to Paléo in a few years. Starting half an hour late, Gaetan Roussel welcomed the crowd with a “we haven't seen you in a long time, it's good to be back”, before starting with an old classic. They mixed new songs with their older hits , bringing back memories from quite a lot of people's youth, and getting everyone to sing along. The area in front of the main stage seemed packed again, which means that a lot of the people jumping up and down to the savage guitar of Iron Maiden came back for the signature violin of Louise Attaque's songs. Long live musical diversity!

The sun was shining bright as the first people walked onto the grounds of the 41st Paléo Festival, glad to be back for another year of music and more at l'Asse. After the 40th edition last year, Tuesday saw another important milestone, with the 6 millionth visitor awaited on the site ! The first concerts of the day launched the festivities with a bang and packed tents, first under the Club Tent where the Swiss rockers from  Antipods delivered their pop-rock riffs. Slightly later on, it was another Swiss band, Anach Cuan , who played their own "valaisan" version of Celtic music to a crowd overflowing from the Dôme. The massive turnout - especially for a concert this early on and in the Village du Monde, where the crowds tend to be slightly scarcer, shows to the popularity of the band and the capacity that Celtic music has of bringing people together ! A moment of microscopic poetry In such a huge festival, it was nice to escape for 20 minutes of pure magic and poetry at the Ruche ( the area of the site dedicated to street theatre, at the end of the Quartier des Alpes ) with Mister Alambic and his circus fleas . From the librarian flea who read books and made origami, to the acrobatic act of the teeterboard duo, this show, which takes place right in front of your eyes (as such, each performance is limited to small number of people,but they play several times during the day), makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the crowd as you get carried away on the back of a somersaulting flea. Mister Alambic, 5th generation flea tamer, performs every day at la Ruche. Big names and big crowds American folk band the Lumineers played to an enthusiastic crowd on the main stage, everyone clapping and singing along to their upbeat folk songs. They delighted the crowd with all of their favourite songs, throwing in a Bob Dylan cover and a walk through the crowd for the lead singer. Light and catchy, their performance was the perfect sunny open air concert. As the day continued, the sun went down to the relief of many, the temperatures cooling just enough for it to be enjoyable summer's evening. As a nearly full moon started rising over the huge crowd gathered in front of the main stage, Muse made their entrance. Their concert was the main highlight of the evening, and their well oiled performance didn't disappoint. Powerful rock anthems, punctuated by the odd calm ballad and accompanied by an efficient video show made up for a certain lack in originality or freshness, despite a few interactions with the crowd. Playing all their big hits, they had the crowd jumping and chanting along, and finished off the concert with a shower of confetti and colourful paper streamers shot straight over the crowd. A good solid concert, and a fine way to start the week, if maybe not as inspired by the eponymous muses as one could hope for. Wednesday evening is dedicated to metal music, and should see some serious head-banging and a lot of mosh-pit action with  as stars of the night, alongside Swiss folk-metal band Eluveitie and crazy Scottish band Red Hot Chilli Pipers . Get ready for some serious dancing !

Paleo festival revealed the line-up for its 38th edition this morning in Nyon, at the Uni Global headquarters in the centre of town. Daniel Rosselat introduced the press conference by expressing the hope that the sun shining outside would prove a good omen for the weather during the Festival itself, which will take place from the 23 rd to the 28th of July on the Asse plain, just above the town of Nyon. “The weather is always an important factor for an enjoyable festival” commented Paleo's boss, and it's even truer this year as Paléo will be inaugurating a new open-air stage, “Les Arches”, in place of the the Chapiteau. ( mentioned on Living In Nyon here ). A winning recipe Never change a winning recipe, continued Rosselat, even if the ingredients vary slightly from one year to another. A few (very) big headliners, some smaller emerging talents, and a dash of spice with the artists from the Village du Monde to top it off. Neil Young had already been announced earlier this year , and he will be joined in the “Legends of Rock” category by mythical Latino-rock guitarist, Carlos Santana . Other heavy-duty stars, such as Nick Cave (who Paleo have been trying, unsuccessfully, to get to sign up for quite a few years now), Blur (who reformed last summer) and the Smashing Pumpkins will be rocking the crowds this summer. Never get too comfortable Only a quarter of the bands on the programme this year have played at Paleo before. As Paléo boss Rosselat explained, it would be easier- and more comfortable- to keep inviting the same bands again and again, cashing in on known talents, but Paléo is also about discovering new bands, renewing the line-up year after year. So whereas a few of the names on the line-up will be familiar to Paleo regulars - the Arctic Monkeys , back again a few years after their excellent concert on the main stage, or Sophie Hunger , who will be playing this year in front of an audience of 30'000 after her rather more intimate début a few years back - get ready to discover exciting new bands like Alt-J , winners of this year's Mercury Award – the top recompense for independent bands in the UK each year (the Arctic Monkeys scooped the award in 2006), Retro Stefson (described as the Icelandic Arcade Fire) or the Skints , the new stars of the English Ska scene, continuing the legacy of 70's bands like Madness and The Specials. Discover the Indian Ocean at the Village du Monde The Village du Monde, a “festival inside the Festival”, will be bringing you sounds, colours and flavours from the eastern seaboard of Africa and the numerous islands that lie just off the continent. Dedicated to bringing music from a different part of the world each year, the Village du Monde is one of the popular highlights of the Festival. “But it isn't supposed to be an ethno-musicology festival” reminded Jacques Monnier, Paleo's head programmer. Although there are a few traditional bands coming, like the Tambours du Burundi or Deba (a women’s group from the Island of Mayotte, involving dance and polyphonic chants based on sacred Muslim rituals), the focus is on bands who are experimenting with the folklore, by mixing traditional music with more contemporary sounds like electro, dub-step or jazz. Look out for bands like Shangaan Electro , Nathalie Natiembé or Skip and Die. The full line-up , with descriptions of all the bands and links to their website can be found here Here's a video presenting some of the artists   Tickets on sale next Wednesday Tickets and passes will be on sale from midday on Wednesday 24th April , on www.paleo.ch , the Migros and the FNAC- but hurry up , each year, the tickets sell out faster and faster! Here's a list of all the ticket outlets . For the people who don't manage to get Festival tickets in time, 1500 tickets will be on sale each morning during the Festival on the Paléo website at 9 a.m for the same evening.

Neil Young And Crazy Horse To Play At Paleo Festival ! Earlier this month, Paleo confirmed that this year's edition will start with what promises to be an amazing concert by rock'n'roll legend Neil Young.  20 years after his last concert on the plain of l'Asse, he will be performing his latest album, Psychedelic Pill, with his long-time backing band Crazy Horse on Tuesday 23rd of July. The entire line-up of the festival, which will take place from the 23rd to the 28th of July, will be revealed on Tuesday 16th of April. The ticket-office will open at midday on the 17th. More info on Paleo website Caribana Headlines Announced Archive will be playing in Crans-près-Celigny on the Thursday 6th of June. This English electro-pop band will bring its American indie pop band FUN will be playing on the lake-side on the 8th of June. Their second album, “Some Nights”, came out last May, and their single “We are young” became an instant hit, topping charts in the US. They will be bringing their highly contagious energy and good mood for an evening of... fun! Caribana has also launched the first edition of the Caribateens DJ Contest. Open to all between the ages of 12 and 17, this competition will take place ont the 1st of May at the After club in Nyon, and the three winners will get to play during the festival, on the 9th of June. You can sign up until the 3rd of March on the website by joining an mp3 file. Tickets are already on sale here (Very) Early Walk To See The Sun And Moon Meet! This Sunday  an early morning hike from St-Cergue will take place to admire the sunrise. Leaving from the Archette car-park in St-Cergue at 06:15, and guided by moonlight, you will climb to a peak at 1555 metres where you will be able to see the sunrise over the Alps. After enjoying a panoramic view from the top of the Jura, you'll stop for a coffee-break at the Ski-Club chalet, before walking back down to St-Cergue, at around 12 o'clock. A refreshing soak at the Cheserex swimming pool is planned for the afternoon, where you will be able to have a snack. The walk will take about 5 hours, and you must be equipped with snowshoes, a frontal light, walking sticks, and a change of clothes (don't forget your camera!) The walk is free, safe for the entry fee to the swimming pool. Please announce yourself by writing to this address: sigihaller@bluewin.ch   "C'est la vie": Swiss Press Photo Exhibition If you are interested in recent Swiss history, this photo exhibition in the Chateau de Prangins looks back at 60 years of local press photography. What better way to understand the last 60 years but through the eyes of the people who lived it? Ranging from the exceptional to everyday life, these photos give us a glimpse of the past. Until the 19th of May. More info here Caveau De Nyon Events In Late January And Early February The Caveau de Nyon, situated under the Castle, will be hosting the following events. Booking is required for all events. Thursday 31st January at 18:30: Apero jazz Thursday 7th February from 19:00 : Raclette a gogo (30.-) Saturday 9th February from 12:00 : Papet vaudois (20.-) (book before the 27th) More info on website *Amateurs of electronic and experimental music can discover Stade at the Usine a Gaz on Friday. This Swiss duo composed of pianist Pierre Audetaz and drummer Christophe Calpini explore the universe of experimental jazz and electronica music. On of their latest projects will also take place in Pully this weekend, involving a dance company interacting with the music via sensors.( See here ) They will be playing with Mc Granite, from Swiss band Aloan , in a free concert at the Usine a Gaz at 21:00. *Folk aficionados can go to the Parenthèse on Thursday fo a concert by folk musician Denison Witmer on Thursday. This artist from Pennsylvania has played with bands such as Cat Power or Sixteen Horsepower over the last fifteen years. French indie rock band Appletop will be playing on Friday. You can get further info and the full line-up on the Parenthèse facebook page. *There will be a Jazz jam session at the Quai 23 pizzeria in Nyon on the 31st of January. It will be animated by a quartet formation with a guitar, double bass and sax player.

Paléo has arrived! The Paléo sponsors have their posters up around Nyon, one of them is showing a couple covered in mud at an outdoor concert. However,the weather is promising to be great, so no mud at least for the next few days..just sunshine and music. The streets of Nyon are starting to fill up with festival goers, the local butcher who always puts up a Paléo display in his window has done so again this year. And Migros supermarket has carrier bags with the Paléo logo on. So all remains now is for the bands to start arriving and for the music to start. Of course Paléo is not just about the music its also about meeting friends, eating food from all the great foodstalls and watching and experiencing all the entertainment provided. This year check out the area called La Ruche (the Hive), a new area dedicated to circus performance and street theatre. In the Quartier des Alpes there will be sculptures that look like giant chandeliers and balls of light, and they will be set alight by a team of lamplighter-actors at nightfall. There will be lots more on offer. If you haven't got tickets, then all is not lost there are a 1,000 that go on sale at 09:00 each morning on the Paleo website.