The biggest cultural bash this side of the Lions Gate Bridge is coming back to West Vancouver this weekend.
This Friday and Saturday (June 3-4), Ambleside Park will host this year’s Bridge Festival, a day celebrating cultural diversity with fun, food and live performances from more than 30 local and international artists.
The program includes multicultural pavilions, dance stages, community group kiosks, a kids zone with a zipline, interactive games and hands-on art stations.
A selection of pavilions will showcase culture from 10 countries, each with its own traditional activities, art and cuisine.
A mainstage will feature performances from acts like Mariachi Los Dorados, Sambacouver and the Whiskeydicks.
The likes of Gleneagles Scottish Country Dance Club, Roots Peruvian Folk Dance and Vanleena will grace a dance stage.
The Bridge Festival will also feature Gathering of Eagles by the Squamish Symphony, a collaborative musical performance by Bob Baker, the Spakwus Slulum (Eagle Song Dancers) and the West Vancouver Youth Band’s Symphonic Band.
Food trucks at the event include Super Thai, Shameless Buns and Dolce Amore. There’ll also be an international lounge with a licensed area for people wanting to grab craft beer or another adult beverage.
"A few years ago we had an exciting idea for a festival," said Christie Rosta, cultural services manager for West Vancouver. "Let’s celebrate and share all our different cultures, ideas, and food with each other."
But she noted that the district is only a facilitator. "It was a group of citizens that came up with the idea, and it is community organizations, groups and individuals who are coming together to create these cultural experiences for all of us."
"After the last two years, we think this sharing and connecting is especially important. Many of us feel the need to come together in person again, and what better way than to share your culture with food, dance and music with your community?" Rosta said.
In 2019, West Van’s community day became Bridge Festival, as the district aimed to throw a more inclusive event that better reflects the current cultural demographics.
Bridge Festival
Where: Ambleside Park in West Vancouver
When: Friday, June 3, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, June 4, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For more information, visit the event website.
