ARTS & CULTURE

My company, Big Cityyy Arts, supplied roving live art in the form of extravagant, eccentric and electric drag characters, provoking, posing and playing with the guests in attendance. This launch party was all about representing the festival’s ethos and energy for this and future festivals, and it was a really exciting evening, knowing that this is just the beginning of this effusive event.

The Saturday daytime event was overflowing with arty offerings, many of them were free, and it was awesome that much of the art was accessible to more people. The Main Stage bandstand hosted musical acts and pop-up performances throughout the day: The Treble Tones, Keith Silver, AILM, The Skye Dancers, Club Django, Union and Kay, Dave Hind and Excuse Me

The other stages and tents also had a variety of entertainment. The Mini Stage hosted rounds of a live, impressionist, painting competition and between workshops the children’s tent got a show from

Rumple & Friends. Authors Sean Dixon, Aleria McKay and January Rogers meet-ed and greeted, theatre makers presented in the 10-minute play competition in the Coach House and various demonstrations and micro workshops happened throughout the day It was a special day, jam packed with jubilant artistic expression.

The weather turned out and so did the people of Brant and beyond, making Grand River Arts Festival’s first foray a fabulous one, for those showing off and sharing, and those supporting and showing up. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this event so vibrant and varied, every single contributor was important in creating this successful and sensational festival, from The Green Team to the Glenhyrst volunteers, from the tallest Drag Queen in Brant to the shiniest newbie exploring Brant County’s Arts and Culture scene - bravo all!