After a collective exhale, the Bank Street BIA can finally feel good about a secret they have kept for months.
Today, the BIA released its plans to light up Bank Street. From June 20 – 21, the street will be closed from Slater to Gilmour to allow for Glowfair, a family-friendly festival featuring lights, music and art.
“For anyone that knows me, they know I like to talk. It was a difficult secret to keep,” says event organizer Seb Provost. “[Glowfair’s] all about lights, a real sensory experience… What we’re trying to do is create a real energy in the neighbourhood with performances, visuals and music.”
For two days, Bank Street will be an illuminated utopia. Strings of lights will traverse the street, projectors will transform normally mundane office buildings into neon spectacles and whacky street furniture will make Bank Street look like a scene from Alice in Wonderland. The BIA also recruited an extensive list of artists to fill the area with electrifying sound.
Judith Hill, from Academy Award winning 20 Feet from Stardom, will headline the event on Saturday, June 21st. In support, Glowfair will also feature Grammy award winner DJ Hector Hex, Star Académie finalist Sandy Duperval and Juno Award nominee Soul Jazz Orchestra.
Perhaps the best part of this event, however, is that admission is free.
“It’s not a commercial venture. We’re not in it for the money,” says executive director, Christine Leadman. “It’s about creating an experience, giving back to the community and shining a spotlight on the great businesses on Bank Street”
Throughout the festival, three stages will host a continuous stream of programming. The main stage on Slater and Bank Streets will feature Judith Hill and Sandy Duperval, amongst other live performances. The second stage will feature electronic house music, which will be headlined by Hector Hex. Finally, the third stage will play home to the League of Rock, a competition for garage bands.
Sandwiched in between the stages, there will be street performers, special events hosted by Bank Street merchants and other pop-up activities, planned by several Ottawa event promoters.
“[Glowfair will be like] free festivals we see in France, NYC or Quartier des Spectacles in Montreal,” says Provost. “It’s all about these different buildings creating visual experiences. It’s incredible.”
Check back frequently in the days leading up to Glowfair for behind-the-scenes looks of the event’s production, exclusive interviews and new program details.