Surrey Fusion Festival: Record 53 cultural pavilions; celebration of influential women’s contributions

SURREY Fusion Festival, presented by Coast Capital Savings, will introduce 14 new cultural pavilions in 2018, once again making it the largest multicultural celebration in B.C. Up from 39 pavilions in 2017 to 53, this year’s expanded festival—taking place July 21–22 at Holland Park—welcomes first time participants Albania, Argentina, Brazil, England, Guatemala, Greece, Haiti, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Portugal, Sri Lanka and Venezuela.

“Surrey Fusion Festival started with only 22 pavilions in 2008, and has grown enormously over the past 11 years,” said Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner. “It’s exciting to see it continually evolve. We thank our presenting sponsor, Coast Capital Savings, and our many community and cultural groups for their continued support in providing residents and visitors with an unforgettable experience year after year.”

The theme for this year’s festival and cultural showcases is influential women. Participants will celebrate inspiring or influential women and the contributions they have made to their culture through displays of music, art and crafts. First, second and third place for Best Dressed Pavilion will be awarded to the most impressive exhibitions.

The festival’s Indigenous Village returns to offer education on Indigenous culture through music, food, art and live performances. It will feature traditional installations, including a West Coast longhouse and carved cedar canoe archway, Métis trapper tents and teepees. Attendees can also enjoy contemporary music, traditional West Coast Indigenous music and dance, powwow performances, fiddling and jigging, a Métis pavilion, First Nation and Métis artisans, carving demonstrations, Sto:lo bannock and various desserts by the Bannock Queen.

“Surrey Fusion Festival is a wonderful community celebration offering residents and visitors a chance to explore world cultures through unique experiences, food and entertainment,” said Surrey Councillor Mary Martin, Chair of the Diversity Advisory Committee. “We’re looking forward to another year of world-class performances and the opportunity to learn about influential women from across the globe.”

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Named Best Festival at the Regional Canadian Event Industry Awards in 2017, Surrey Fusion Festival is a free community event celebrating food, music and culture from around the world. This year’s event will welcome over 150 performers, including headliners Walk Off The Earth on Saturday, July 21 and Ranjit Bawa on Sunday, July 22. For more information, visit surreyfusionfestival.ca.