The monthly event First Friday is now known throughout Switzerland for how an urban area can be successfully developed. The focus is on local art and culture, small businesses and gastronomy. Within a few years, the organisers have succeeded in breathing life back into Biel’s beautiful old town.
The idea of First Friday comes from Honolulu/Hawaii, where Reto Bloesch from Biel experienced a First Friday on a surfing trip. He brought the idea to Biel, adapted it to the needs of Biel’s old town together with his two colleagues Patrick Weiss and Olivier Paratte and thus launched a success story.
Every first Friday of the month, the alleys and squares of Biel’s old town come alive with concerts, street art, artists, dance performances, market stalls and the colourful and fascinating range of local shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants. “Tout Bienne” brings together all cultures, all generations, together with visitors from all over Switzerland to enjoy a peaceful and happy evening in beautiful surroundings.
The event is particularly beneficial for small local businesses, which are particularly well represented in the old town and can present themselves to a wide audience. In addition, artists and local culture get a showcase thanks to the many indoor and outdoor concerts, the exhibitions, theatres and performances by dancers, street artists, comedians and much more. First Friday has been taking place for six years and is firmly anchored in the event calendar of the city of Biel. In 2017, the organisers were awarded “Bieler of the Year”.
