Electronic music festival ValhallaFest returns after a pandemic hiatus to the northwest this weekend from Sept. 3 to 5.
Gates opened today at noon for the three-day event spread across 150-acres of land near the Zymacord River on traditional territory of the Kitsumkalum.
The festival that borrows its name and theme from Norse mythology promotes itself as an event “rocking the most powerful beats in the north” along with art and dance.
ValhallaFest organizers Jordie Laidlaw and Erinn McPherson started the festival back in 2018 to bring Nevada’s ‘Burning Man culture’ to northwest B.C.
Since then, the festival has attracted crowds from across the province with an increased footfall every year.
While 2019 had over 700 people attend the festival, Laidlaw said that this year they are expecting a lesser number with just over 300 tickets booked online.
Laidlaw said that after provincial health authorities relaxed the COVID-19 gathering rules on July 1, they went full-steam ahead to get this year’s season up and running.
“It has been a really dark year and people have had a lot of loss as well as social withdrawal with the pandemic,” said Laidlaw. The festival will provide an outdoor communal experience where people can see others before heading into winter, he said.
With the pandemic still underway, the organizers have also incorporated a communicable disease plan to ensure COVD-19 protocols are observed on-site.
This year the ValhallaFest will also feature a more prominent display of art projects scattered across the property such as a 20-foot sword which took over two years to make.
“I want people to come see all this art, be inspired and recognize the talent that our region has to offer,” said Laidlaw.