Sunset returned to the Principality for an exhilarating three-day celebration, coinciding with the renowned Formula 1 Grand Prix. This year, there were fresh outdoor spaces, new artists, unique artworks, and vibrant atmospheres. Event creators Thomas Peeters and Cédric Houdrouge shared insights about the latest edition.
From May 24 to 26, the iconic Méridien Beach Plaza beach hosted Sunset from noon to midnight (and even later for the most dedicated party-goers). Since 2013, this annual event has been a must-attend gathering for Monegasques and the international jet-set. It offered a diverse music festival experience, featuring a variety of musical styles and vibes to cater to all preferences. We had an exclusive conversation with Cédric Houdrouge and Thomas Peeters in the upcoming issue of L’Officiel Monaco.
How did the 2024 edition of Sunset Monaco go?
It was simply insane. We believe it’s our best edition to date. From the clients’ feedback, to the cohesion of the team, to the arts (music & performance) and the very good weather, it felt like a very smooth operation. We also managed to have no wait time at the door by going from one entrance to three entrances, which was the biggest bottleneck last year. And the cherry on top, Charles won, so we can’t be more proud of him and for our country.
What has been your most memorable moment or achievement from past Sunset events? And what was the highlight of this year’s event for you?
We have a few amazing moments. Obviously, Nico Rosberg’s first win and him celebrating at Sunset is the one we will remember forever. He really helped us establish Sunset as THE party after the race and for this, we will always be grateful.
In terms of achievements, we believe building the right team is the most important part of our success. This event relies on the hard work of 200 people, and without them, Sunset cannot operate, so thank you to Team Sunset—you know who you are. The highlight of this year is Charles’ win in Monaco, which is also another remarkable moment. You could feel a special energy within our staff and the crowd, a natural happiness among all of us.
Could you tell us about the Casa SUNSET restaurant? What were its unique features, and how was it received by the public?
Casa Sunset is a modern, festive Mexican restaurant that operates nonstop from noon until 3 am. We have partnered with chefs Paola Segura and Yoni Gurman to deliver a delicious menu. We serve tasty bites, cocktails, and live music. Later, it evolves into a vibrant dancefloor, and Sunset guests can continue there after the Sunset Closing, as it’s just a few meters away from the main stage.
Could you discuss your collaboration with Richard Orlinski in creating a special piece for Sunset? Is this something you plan to continue in the future?
We are here to promote all types of arts, whether it’s music, artistic performance, or even sculptures. We placed a few pieces at Sunset and Casa Sunset, which created a very nice and warm atmosphere, on top of being photo-friendly. We’ll happily continue displaying art pieces at Sunset.
What challenges did you face in organizing such a large-scale event, and how did you overcome them?
The main challenge is that Sunset is a pop-up event. We all have other business activities besides Sunset, but we reunite around this big project. So, time management is crucial with tight deadlines. Like any team, you need to work together for months or years to reach full efficiency. But we don’t have that time, so it’s a lot of hard work, pre-planning, calls, and, at the end of the day, common sense to make it work!
How do you ensure that Sunset appeals to a diverse audience with varied musical tastes and preferences?
Sunset is at the border between a premium beach party and a festival. We have about 25 music artists between Sunset and Casa Sunset. So, we select different styles and genres to make sure everyone is happy. Sunset is a cross-generational party, therefore we play very eclectic music.
What is your vision for the future of Sunset, and are there any exciting plans or changes you are considering for upcoming editions?
We want to continue delivering the best music experience during GP events. We have been in Monaco for 11 years and Miami for 3 years. Another city is an option provided we find the right partner. And obviously, we want to further establish Casa Sunset as one of the best restaurants during the Monaco GP.
