Surrey celebrates influential women at largest Fusion Festival yet

2018 event hosted a record 53 cultural pavilions, alongside headliners Walk Off The Earth and Ranjit Bawa

 

Ranjit Bawa

SURREY Fusion Festival drew fans from across the Lower Mainland as it celebrated diversity and this year’s theme—influential women—at the 11th annual event. Presented by Coast Capital Savings, the festival hosted a record 53 cultural pavilions and six stages of live entertainment, including headliners Walk Off The Earth and Ranjit Bawa.

“With a record number of pavilions, the 11th anniversary of Surrey Fusion Festival was a true milestone for this celebration of diversity through food, music, culture and influential women,” said Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner. “On behalf of council, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our presenting sponsor, Coast Capital Savings, as well as numerous cultural and community groups for their continued support.”

On Saturday night, Canadian multi-instrumentalists Walk Off The Earth wowed the crowd with a high-energy performance. On Sunday night, local DJ and producer Khanvict opened the stage for Punjabi pop star Ranjit Bawa. Additional performances throughout the weekend included: John Welsh and Los Valientes, Dawn Pemberton, Aché Brasil, Rumba Calzada and Wintermitts.

“At Coast Capital, supporting local, free events like Surrey Fusion Festival is one of the highlights of our summer,” says Maureen Young, Director, Community Leadership at Coast Capital Savings. “With our deep and long-standing roots in Surrey, it is an excellent opportunity to help our community explore and celebrate the cultures that make our city what it is. Thank you to the City of Surrey for giving us the chance to take part in such a wonderfully diverse event.”

The Canada pavilion earned first place in the Best Dressed category for its variety of historical information and colourful visual displays showcasing influential women from across the country. The Indigenous village returned in 2018, featuring contemporary music, Metis fiddling and jigging, First Nation and Metis artisans, Bannock, carving demonstrations, Powwow performances and traditional Westcoast Indigenous music and dance. Families could also enjoy the sports zone, storytelling tent, kid’s zone and inflatables.

For more information visit www.surreyfusionfestival.ca.

(Photos supplied by City of Surrey)