Bestival launches first North American festival in Toronto

16 February 2015, 13:44 | Written by Laurence Day

(News)

(Rob Da Bank)

Last year Rob Da Bank spoke of wanting to expand Bestival across the globe; today, the first step towards that has been taken. Today, Bestival Toronto has been confirmed.

Embrace and SFX Entertainment will be staging the event in conjunction with Da Bank and Bestival.

Bestival organiser Rob da Bank said in a statement:

“We have waited 12 years to decide to launch another Bestival outside of the UK and our beloved Bestival, on the Isle of Wight, which has grown into one of the most important festivals in the global calendar. It took a really special city, and an even more exciting site, with Toronto and Toronto Island, to make us take the leap. So, the waiting is over and we are so excited to be launching in North America in June, with a classic Bestival line-up waiting to thrill, intrigue and party! I’d like to thank all our partners, friends, new and old, and supporters in Toronto, for making this happen. We cannot wait!”

Meanwhile, Bestival (the UK edition) has announced its initial lineup, including Flying Lotus, Tame Impala, Future Islands and Lily Allen. For more info, head here.

The inaugural Bestival outside of the prime Isle Of Wight location will be held 12-13 June on Hanlan’s Point Beach, in the Toronto Islands, on the Shore of Lake Ontario.

Register for the Canadian Bestival pre-sale here. No line up has yet been confirmed, but Da Bank is promising the idiosyncratic festivities that Bestival is famous for, and an eclectic mix of UK and Canadian sounds.

Watch the trailer for the event below.