The Capital Commission of Prince Edward Island today announced the inaugural ‘Festival of Lights - A Celebration of Canada' to take place on the Charlottetown Waterfront, June 28th to July 1st, 1996. The four day event will establish Charlottetown, the birthplace of Canada, as the place to be to celebrate our nation's birthday in Eastern Canada.
The weekend will be filled with entertainment including the International Buskers, a special waterfront concert evening on Sunday with East Coast Music Awards Entertainers of the Year ‘Great Big Sea' and ‘Modabo', Bill Lynch Midway on the grounds all four days, pubs under the tent with ‘Long White Cadillac' and ‘MacKeel' and the largest laser and fireworks show in the history of PEI, over Charlottetown Harbour, as a finale on Monday night. It will be four days packed with entertainment.
The world famous International Buskers will present six acts from around the world. Performers from Canada include Spring Action, Indiana Bob, and The Cow Guys. International acts feature Sisa Picare, an Ecuadorian Band; juggler Jerry Rowan from the United States and the Eastern European marionette troupe Alexander and Pane. The Buskers will perform in a special vaudeville night on Friday, June 28th, followed by acts all weekend long throughout the Confederation Park and waterfront area.
The Festival of Lights is one of the first large projects of the Capital Commission of Prince Edward Island. It has gained significant support from both the public and private sectors. Title sponsor for the Festival is Magic 93, CFCY and CHTN Radio, Gold level sponsors include Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Canadian Heritage Parks Canada, Seaman's Beverages, The Hotel/ Motel Association of PEI, Labatt Breweries, Tourism PEI, CADC, City of Charlottetown and The Guardian. Silver level sponsors include Strait Crossing, Maritime Electric and Peake's Wharf Merchants Association. Special thanks to Confederation Centre of the Arts and Joe MacDonald.
Gary MacLeod, Chair of the Capital Commission, spoke of the solid support received for the Festival of Lights from both the public and private sector. ‘All levels of government have demonstrated their support for this venture and the private sector has come on board in a big way', said MacLeod. ‘We see the Festival of Lights as the kick off of an educational and fun filled summer in the Capital Region of PEI', MacLeod went on to say.
The Festival of Lights will incorporate the traditional Canada Day activities, held in Charlottetown, within its program. All activities will be held on the Charlottetown Waterfront with the main events under the Festival tent at Confederation Landing.