Huge summer festival expands to 3 days in Brampton

A huge summer festival is expanding in Brampton.

For the first time in its 11-year history, Vibrant Brampton SummerFest is expanding to three outdoor festival days, bringing an even larger celebration of South Asian music, arts, food and culture to Gage Park from July 17 to 19, a press release from organizers said.

The free family festival will feature live music, dance, visual arts, food, shopping, workshops and cultural experiences for audiences of all ages.

More than 200 Canadian and international artists will be featured throughout the festival, making this the largest edition of Vibrant Brampton SummerFest to date, organizers said.

“This year’s theme ‘One World. Many Sounds’ reflects what this festival has always represented—bringing people from different cultures, communities and generations together through music, art and shared experiences,” said festival organizers. “We are excited to welcome the community back for four unforgettable days of celebration in the heart of Brampton.”

The outdoor festival will begin on July 17 with Punjabi Tadka, an “energetic celebration of Punjabi music” headlined by acclaimed Indian playback singer Mannat Noor. Noor rose to global fame with the title track of the film Laung Laachi, which made history as the first Indian music video to surpass one billion views on YouTube.

On July 18, Desi Dhamaka, featuring the Nandy Sisters, Antara and Ankita Nandy, will perform. The dynamic Indian musical duo is known for its powerful vocals, creative arrangements and energetic performances, blending classical, folk and contemporary musical styles. Pop-rock band Fuzön, featuring Shallum Xavier and Khurram Iqbal, will also perform.

On the new third day, July 19, Root’d NXT Wave will spotlight the future of South Asian sound through a youth-focused fusion of Hip Hop, R&B, rap and House music. The lineup features Punjabi-Canadian rapper and songwriter Fateh Doe, alongside Babbulicious, Pakistani rapper, Arbaz Khan and Juno-winning Toronto funky-soul R&B artist TheHonestGuy.

There will also be food from local restaurants, vendors and artisans.

Interactive cultural and community experiences include Bollywood, Salsa and Bhangra dance workshops, as well as special art workshops conducted by the Aga Khan Museum. Additional programming will include workshops for seniors, immersive art experiences and activities for families and youth.

Festival schedule at a glance:

• July 16: Gala Night 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Meet and greet gala and press conference at the Conservatory in Brampton City Hall.
• July 17: Punjabi Tadka 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Watch Mannat Noor, Manj Musik and more than 70 local artists perform live at the free Outdoor Festival at Gage Park.
• July 18: Desi Dhamaka 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.: Watch the Nandy Sisters, Antara and Ankita Nandy, Fuzön with Shallum Xavier and Khurram Iqbal, Colombia Entre las Venas and more than 100 Canadian artists perform live at Gage Park.
• July 19: Root’d NXT Wave 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Watch Fateh Doe, Babbulicious, Arbaz Khan, TheHonestGuy, Rachelle Show and more than 30 other artists perform at a youth-focused celebration of Hip Hop, R&B, rap and House music at Gage Park. Guests can also participate in the V.A.S.A. Battle of the Arts painting competition.

Learn more at www.vibrantbrampton.ca

Lead photo: Vibrant Brampton SummerFest