The Virgin Festival, now in its second year, has launched in Toronto with a parade of musical acts from the Smashing Pumpkins to Bjork to latest indie fave the Arctic Monkeys.
The much-anticipated musical event, sponsored by Virgin Mobile Canada and held at Toronto Island Park, is expecting 35,000 fans during the weekend.
"We've pulled together an incredible lineup and on-site experience that will blow people way," said Andrew Bridge, director of Virgin Festivals in Canada, in a statement.
Bridge points to the dizzying array of acts, from punk and electro-pop to hip hop, slated to perform on four stages.
Among the 62 acts are multiple Juno award winner k-os, The Killers, MIA, Metric, Tokyo Police Club, Interpol and The Constantines.
Soul singer Amy Winehouse backed out. The British crooner has been battling drug addiction and cancelled her summer appearances.
Tickets, which cost $75 for one day and $125 for the weekend, are still available.
Festival organizers say they will try to keep the event's impact on the island's environment to a minimum with on-site recycling and composting, generators using biodiesel fuel and biodegradable cups and containers at concessions.
As well, the festival will donate trees to the park after the festival.
Those unable to attend can experience some of the top acts with a special Virgin Festival 2007 compilation available next week on iTunes.
The rock festival, which originated in Britain more than a decade ago, is usually referred to as VFest and has gained a reputation as a high-quality music festival with major acts.
Canada's only other VFest is in Vancouver. It ran from May 20 to 21.
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43 Canadians receive Order of Canada
Rocker Tom Cochrane and Montreal dancer Marie Chouinard were appointed Officers of the Order of Canada on Friday in a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa that honoured 43 Canadians for their contributions to public life.
Contact Us About Us HomeTuesday, January 6th, 2009