A WorldFEST of music and dance, food and crafts

Sunday, June 2, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Bring family and friends to a full day of multicultural music, dance, ethnic food and craft making on Sunday, June 2. WorldFEST activities take place all afternoon in the middle of UVic’s campus at Celebration Square. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

WorldFEST @ the Edge is the first signature event for the entire community to enjoy at Congress 2013. Featuring a diversity of music and dance, WorldFEST will be a delightful day for the whole family. Enjoy the sounds of African dance, gospel and marimba tunes. Dance along with a Pacific Island troupe or join in the belly dancing.

Everyone can try their hand at some globe-spanning crafts and arts—from Japanese calligraphy and origami, Thai fruit carving, African mask making, to Henna hand art—at the artisan fair.

WorldFEST activities begin at 11 a.m. and continue to 6 p.m. Sunday’s first performers at 11:30 a.m. are Pearls of the Pacific, an invigorating South Pacific dance troupe, followed by the African drum and dance outfit Kikeyambay at 12:15 p.m. Try out some bellydancing at 1:15 p.m. as Asmira Dance tests the participation of Victoria audiences. The marvellous Louise Rose & the Good News Choir follows with some gospel tunes at 2 p.m. Chikoro Marimba shares some mid-day music at 2:45 p.m.

Asian Cultural Celebration
From 4 to 6 p.m., former Victoria Mayor Alan Lowe will emcee an afternoon of music and dance by local Asian cultural groups, including taiko drummers and lion dancers.

Throughout the day enjoy the full sensory experience with a feast of over a dozen ethnic food choices, sweet treats, food tastings and the ScholarSIP (beer) tent. The international artisan fair will feature local jewelry, art, carvings and clothing.

WorldFEST @ the Edge is the first of three signature events at Congress 2013, hosted by UVic as it celebrates its 50th year.

Daily free performances by award-winning artists take place from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and 4:30 to 7 p.m. each day, from Monday, June 3 to Thursday, June 6. All performances take place on the Celebration Stage (in the Quad area).

Indigenous Celebrations on Monday, June 3

Monday, June 3, 4:30 – 7 p.m.

Continue your enjoyment of Congress 2013 cultural and social programming at the First Peoples Drumming Circle Celebration and Dedication Ceremony from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

This signature event includes First Peoples drummers gathering delegates and the public from four points on campus to central celebrations. The dedication of a carved podium depicting Salish legends will be a momentous occasion as Elders gather on the Celebration Stage in the middle of campus outside the Mearns Centre for Learning and McPherson Library.

Stay and enjoy authentic Indigenous food, a First Peoples artisan fair, carving demonstrations and special musical performances.

Visit uviccongress2013.ca/program/social-programming/ for further details. The ScholarSIP tent, serving beer and snacks, will be open to conference delegates and the public throughout the week, in addition to regular campus food outlets.

UVic is accessible by sustainable travel options including transit and cycling.
For those arriving by car, pay parking is in effect.
Parking info and campus maps: www.uvic.ca/maps.

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