Known by most as "La Fete de la Musique," it is a popular French festival held on June 21 every year, and is dedicated to musicians both amateur and professional alike; giving them the opportunity to perform to a large audience in whatever genre they prefer.

"It's a very special day in France, as it is the only day when any musician can perform in the open air until the late hours in the evening," explains Luo Jiajia, one of the organizers.

The festival was started in 1982 by the famous French politician and culture minister Jack Lang.

Now, true to World Music Day form, the local celebrations will offer audiences performances from local and international artists set in the garden of the Belgian Consulate General.

"In Shanghai, we want to keep the same spirit," says Luo. "Performers at the festival are mostly amateurs, allowing for the expression of all styles of music in a wonderful atmosphere. However, the festival will last only until 10pm due to neighborhood noise restrictions."

"The day works to popularize musical practice for young and old alike from all social backgrounds, giving everyone an opportunity to communicate and share a very special moment through music," the 27-year-old Shanghainese native says.

There will be a varied selection of music styles, from Chinese traditional opera to rock and jazz.

"We will have both Chinese and foreign performers. Some of them are professionals and quite famous (at least in the French Shanghai community), others are amateurs, who play together as a hobby."

World Music Day in Shanghai this year will see eight performances, including Christina Wang & Ses Amis performing Chinese Opera, the blues-rock Group, You Mei You, and a salsa dance performance by the Shanghai-based dance studio, Dancelicious.

"Performances will be at various levels. The aim is to have fun and enjoy the music together."

Luo says the event could not take place without the strong support of the Belgian Consulate-General, the Cercle Francophone de Shanghai, sponsors and all the musicians giving their time.

"Cercle Francophone de Shanghai is the association of French-speaking people in Shanghai," she says. "Created in 1992, we now have about 800 members and we are growing rapidly. The aim of the association is to welcome, support and entertain all French-speaking people in Shanghai. It is open to anybody who can speak French well enough."

A fluent French speaker herself, having lived in Belgium for five years, Luo says that "when I came back here, I wanted to maintain my French and I got in touch with the foreign community locally."

World Music Day in Shanghai last year was a large-scale event, with up to 500 people joining in, she says.

"We are expecting as many people this year, if not more, so please come and share in the fun."

La Fete de la Musique
Date: June 21, 6pm
Venue: Consulate General of Belgium in Shanghai, 127 Wuyi Rd
Cost: 50 yuan at door

All nationalities are welcome. Bring ID to pass the security at the Consulate General entrance.