In its eighth year running, Westfest, Westboro Village’s Festival of Music, Art and Life, is making a few changes that will ensure this year’s experience is one to remember.
This spring, from June 10-12, Westfest’s Domicile main stage will return to the eastern end of Westboro Village, at the corner of Byron and Kirkwood Avenues. The Domicile main stage will open each day of the festival at 5 pm, leaving the daytime for families to enjoy the many “On The Street” features of Westfest. As street activities wind down, the party will start on the main stage with an excellent line-up of artists performing each night.
For years, the community greenspace at the corner of Byron and Kirkwood Avenues has been left unused, waiting for an event like Westfest to bring it back to life. This space, which features a grassy hill for naturally elevated seating, was reserved for community use when the nearby Real Canadian Superstore was built. Until now, it has remained virtually unused.
Westfest Founder and Producer Elaina Martin says the new location will provide an audience area four times the size of the previous location, making the festival experience safer and more comfortable for everyone. In addition, she said the entire audience area at this year’s Domicile main stage will be fully licensed. “The new Domicile main stage space will give attendees a truly full festival experience; the comfort of having a drink while still experiencing an intimate show in a safe setting – all while also not having to peek around trees or buildings to do so!”” Elaina said. Last year saw more than 5,000 music fans attend Westfest’s Domicile main stage area; while the audience continued to grow, the space became too small.
After a year of searching for the right candidate, a new Executive Director, Natalie Hanson, has been named to the Westboro Village BIA, leaving past executive director Elaina Martin free to focus on Westfest. This will be the second year that the festival has operated with full autonomy from the Westboro Village BIA. The Westfest team looks forward to a continued relationship with the BIA, and Ms. Hanson.
As always, there will be many ways to get to the new site of the Domicile main stage. For attendees using OC Transpo, the nearby Westboro Transitway Station is a short walk south to the stage. A secure bike park will be available, and on-street parking is available where designated on nearby streets.
