The Intertidal Music Festival is back after a six-year hiatus.
The festival, set at the historic North Pacific Cannery, has had a checkered history. Originally called Rolling on the River, it disappeared for a decade before making a return in 2017 as the Intertidal Music Festival to a much-improved venue, which had gone through significant renovations in the intervening years.
It was a short-lived return, however, lasting only two years.
Now, Tourism Prince Rupert, Santana Professional, the cannery, and major sponsor Trigon Pacific Terminals, have put together a three-day package of local and visiting performers, food vendors, artisan markets, and family-friendly activities to revive the event once again.
"This year鈥檚 festival, taking place July 18鈥�20, will be a celebration of music, culture, and community, set at one of the most unique venues in the province 鈥� the National Historic Site of the North Pacific Cannery," Tourism Prince Rupert said in an email.
Headliners are Current Swell on Friday and Leroy Joe and the Spiritual Warriors on Saturday.
Current Swell is a Victoria rock band with seven albums under their collective belt and best known for their energetic live performances.
Leroy Joe and the Spiritual Warriors are an award-winning Indigenous band who blend Lil'wat (First Nation near Whistler, B.C.) chants with contemporary roots, rock, and reggae music. They perform in both English and the Lil'wat language, Ucwalm铆cwts.
鈥淭rigon is excited to help revitalize this signature local event, with an amazing lineup of performers. We鈥檙e especially glad to support something taking place in our closest neighbouring community of Port Edward, and to bring a major celebration to the historic North Pacific Cannery,鈥� said Craig Olley, president of Trigon.
Excitement in Prince Rupert and Port Edward has been growing since the festival's return was announced earlier this year.
"Planning is coming together well, and the energy from the community has been incredibly encouraging," said Jamie Angus, executive director of Tourism Prince Rupert. "We鈥檙e working hard to make this revival a memorable experience that truly captures the coastal spirit of Prince Rupert. We can鈥檛 wait to welcome festival-goers back to the Cannery!"
