Subhed: Fusion Fest attracts 100,000 people
Photo 1: A riot of color erupted at the Fusion Festival when people of all backgrounds converged to enjoy the music and other events.
Photo 2: Delhi 2 Dublin were one of the headlining acts at the fest.
Photo 3: A Turban Tying Lesson was held at the India Pavilion.
Appropriately, one of the headlining acts at Surrey’s popular Fusion Festival last weekend was a musical group that is a perfect example of cultural and musical fusion.
The acclaimed Delhi 2 Dublin, a five-piece multi-ethnic outfit, were on the bill at the fest, which attracted a crowd of over 100,000 people to Holland Park over the two days it was on.
Other notable performers included reggae superstar Maxi Priest and two-time Juno and Latin Grammy award winner Alex Cuba. Additional performances included Good for Grapes, The Boom Booms, Ache Brasil and Kunda Africa.
The event featured live entertainment on five different stages, 40 cultural pavilions, an indigenous village and a kick-off zone celebrating the countdown to Canada’s 150th birthday.
Forty countries and cultures from around the world were represented in the Parade of Cultures, including eight newcomers this year – Belgium, France, Germany, Chile, Turkey, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Activities included a Turban Tying Lesson held at the India Pavilion on Sunday.
“Fusion Festival is the ultimate celebration of food, music and culture, and is an opportune time for our diverse community to come together, share, discover and interact,” said Mayor Linda Hepner.
“Now in its ninth year, Fusion Festival has become the largest multicultural event in BC,” said Councillor Mary Martin, Chair of the Diversity Advisory Committee. “It’s exciting to see how this world–class event evolves each year – continually providing an amazing opportunity to explore our globe’s cultures through unique experiences, food and entertainment.”
In 2013, Surrey Fusion Festival was declared ‘Best Festival in the World’ at the International GALA Awards held in Nashville, following a nomination process involving top events from over 30 countries.
