The second-annual Vancouver Island Cultural Festival takes place Saturday June 16 at St Ann’s Academy (835 Humboldt). Gates from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Kids 12-and-under are free this year, accompanied by a paying adult. (Crafty School of Art and Design for Kids will be on-hand to keep those little people busy while you indulge in the booze gardens).Also new this year are in-and-out privileges. “That was the number one request from last year,” says event organizer Dylan Willows. “Everyone was so well behaved last year that we were given permission. Although there’s so much to be engaged with on the property, it’s important, especially for young families, that they can spend the day with the kids, then drop them off at the sitters and come back to the festival for the evening.”
A second stage has been added to the beer and wine sampling area (12 Island breweries and cideries and 12 wineries), which is open from noon to 5 p.m. (Some samples inlcuded, then $1 for beer and $2 for wine afterwards).
The main stage, on the academy green side of the property has also had some changes from last year — the beer garden has been moved closer to the stage for a better view of the show. Both stages will have all ages areas right in front.
Music BC is holding The Art of Songwriting workshop inside the historic chapel with Kiprios, Georgia Murray and Vince Vaccaro, where registrants will have a chance to get feedback from these accomplished Island musicians from noon to 2 p.m. (registration at vicfest.ca). At 3 p.m., the chapel is open to the public for a songwriting circle until 5 p.m. (included with festival wristband).
In the auditorium, you’ll find an Island Film showcase, featuring documentaries by Pacific Wild and shorts by Dave Wallace (Innovate Imageworks).
Wolf/Sheep Arthouse will be on hand with the first instalment of Donkey/Kong — An interactive retro video game inspired art installation (that is also making an appearance at next week’s Tall Tree Music Festival in Port Renfrew).
“We have a reputation for putting on fun shows that people want to go to,” says Wolf/Sheep owner/creator Erik Van Kobra. “We’re taking advantage of the fact the site is self-contained and we can control how people come and go. We might even send people on a quest out in the garden before they’re allowed in,” he says with an ominous laugh.
Physical ticket sales are cut off Thursday at Ditch Records (very few left), but online ticket sales will run until the day of the festival. Tickets will also be available at the gate for the same price ($40.) M
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