The Island Fusion Festival is a new province-wide celebration highlighting some of the most popular arts and cultural events that make Prince Edward Island a premier tourism destination, says Tourism and Culture Minister Robert Vessey.
“The Island Fusion Festival is a great opportunity to promote Prince Edward Island as a cultural destination and really showcase the many diverse events and activities our province has to offer,” said the minister. “Our province has a great lineup of activities taking place this summer and the Island Fusion Festival is the perfect celebration to kick off the season.”
Island Fusion Festival will take place June 16 to July 3 in communities across Prince Edward Island. The festival kicks off with the opening of the Festival of Small Halls at the Kings Playhouse in Georgetown and encompasses the many activities and events taking place across the Island and ties them together as one giant cultural celebration.
Other festival events include the Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival in Rollo Bay, the Tignish Irish Moss Festival, the Highland Gathering in Summerside, and the new Lighthouse Treasure Festival in eastern Prince Edward Island. Approximately 60 events are under the Island Fusion Festival brand, including many Authentic Island Experiences.
The Island Fusion Festival is one objective of a three-year cultural action plan that was developed by the Tourism Advisory Council of Prince Edward Island.
Thom MacMillan, President of the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island is pleased with the cultural action plan’s initiatives to promote heritage and cultural tourism on the Island.
“TIAPEI has been a key proponent of heritage and cultural tourism for the past 10 years and is proud to be a partner in the development of the Island Fusion Festival brand.”
More than 25 artisans will also participate in the festival through the Prince Edward Island Artisan Open Studio Experience Day, taking place June 25. Master potters, woodworkers, metal workers and other craftspeople will invite visitors into their studios to learn how they make their crafts.
“Islanders and visitors may not realize just how many terrific events and activities are taking place at this time of year across our Island. Placing them all under the umbrella of the Island Fusion Festival really promotes our province’s rich artistic talents and our Island communities,” said the Minister. “I encourage all Islanders to explore our province and attend an Island Fusion Festival event or activity.”
A complete list of activities can be found at www.tourismpei.com/fusion.