Sunfest goes virtual again

Sunfest has announced it will present its 2021 festival virtually as pandemic concerns and restrictions drag on

Photo: Sunfest executive and co-artistic director, Alfredo Caxaj

CANADA’S LARGEST MULTICULTURAL music festival ― and London’s most popular outdoor summer festival ― will be presented in virtual format for the second year running.

After consulting with government and health officials, Sunfest has announced that this year’s festival will be livestreamed as ongoing pandemic concerns show no signs of easing enough to permit a live format presentation.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of the Sunfest family and the wider community in which we live are once again our major concerns,” says Alfredo Caxaj, Sunfest executive and co-artistic director.

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“Despite the effectiveness of vaccination, we don’t feel people are ready yet to gather in a packed Victoria Park this summer.”

However, if lockdown restrictions ease, Caxaj adds that organizers are ready to pivot to a hybrid model that would include limited in-person events.

“In these challenging times, the need for music that heals, celebrates and unites our culturally diverse community is greater than ever,” Caxaj says.

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In the meantime, the festival, dubbed TD Sunfest Connected ’21, will be livestreamed on four night, July 8 to 11. More information on scheduling and performer lineup will be announced at a virtual media event in early June.   

Last month, the Home County Music & Art Festival officially postponed its 2021 Victoria Park festival until July 2022, also due to ongoing pandemic concerns and uncertainty.

London’s two additional large-format festivals, Start.ca Rocks the Park, held at Harris Park, and London Ribfest & Craft Beer Festival, held at Victoria Park, are yet to announce their 2021 format plans.