UK's Bestival Launches Toronto Edition

Published Feb 16, 2015

First, the folks behind Bonnaroo expanded to Ontario with WayHome this year, and now Bestival is following suit. The English festival has just announced its first-ever international event, which will be taking place on Toronto Island on June 12 and 13.Festival has been running in the UK since 2004. This Canadian instalment is being presented along with Embrace and SFX Entertainment, with the fun taking place at Hanlan's Point Beach on Lake Ontario.Bestival's founder and curator Rob da Bank said in a statement:The lineup hasn't yet been announced, but it will likely be star-studded, given that past Bestival performers have included Beastie Boys, My Bloody Valentine, Aphex Twin, Björk, Brian Wilson, New Order and Kraftwerk. Some fans might remember that the Cure have even released a live album from Bestival.A press release promises that this event will allow "our North American cousins can drink deep from our admittedly eccentric English cup that overflows with amazing music, insane sideshows and magical happenings." That cup metaphor sounds a little gross, but we're excited nonetheless!Stay tuned for more details to be fleshed out via the newly launched website for the Toronto edition.Meanwhile, the annual UK instalment of Bestival will run from September 10 to 13. Performers include the Chemical Brothers, Underworld, Duran Duran, Tame Impala, Flying Lotus, Jurassic 5, Future Islands and more.