Canada Day in B.C.’s capital will include a Juno-winning DJ and a drone show, as well as fireworks to culminate “reimagined” celebrations, the City of Victoria says.
The city announced Tuesday that DJ Shub will headline the 2024 event, set to envelop the B.C. legislature lawn and Belleville Street on Monday, July 1.
The drone show, a first for the Inner Harbour, will be curated by contemporary Indigenous artist Rande Cook, according to the city. The seven-minute spectacle will take place after Shub’s set and include ultra-high-lumen drones.
They’ll be flying in “beautiful, mesmerizing formations,” the city adds.
Then, a fireworks finale will light the skies.
Mayor Marianne Alto is encouraging all to visit Victoria’s waterfront to celebrate Canada’s 157th anniversary of confederation, adding that eventgoers can expect an exciting, inclusive day.
“Taste your way around the world, dance the afternoon and night away with some of Canada’s most talented musicians, (and) be taken on Indigenous and multicultural journeys through storytelling and cultural performances…” said Alto.
Throughout the day, an international food village will take over Belleville Street, while a family zone outside the legislature will feature kid-friendly activities.
Various artists, including lək̓ʷəŋən traditional dancers, will perform on the main stage prior to Shub, whom the city lauds as “the Godfather of PowWowStep.” He won the Juno for Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year in 2022, the same year he was awarded Indigenous Artist of the Year at the Indies at Canadian Music Week.
Red, white to fill downtown
The city says Rifflandia Entertainment is producing the event.
More than 60,000 people are expected to attend, according to stats on CanadaDayVictoria.ca. The website has more information about what’s on tap that day, as well as how to get involved by volunteering or becoming a vendor.
Last September, the city announced it had gotten a $250,000 boost from the committee of the whole for Canada Day celebrations. Council had already allocated $100,000 for the festivities, then a request from staff came before council requesting the additional funding, which was approved.
The motion noted the funding would result in a 0.15 per cent property tax increase in 2024.
The city adds that the Province of B.C. and the Government of Canada are providing financial support for the event that aligns with the city’s 2023-2026 strategic plan to support arts programming, including live music and public art.
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Ethan Morneau
