FrancoFEST returns to Gage Park
FrancoFEST enters its fourth year at Gage Park later this month with a two-day celebration of French-Canadian culture featuring some of Canada’s top Francophone entertainment.
The festival takes place Friday, June 22, and Saturday, June 23, featuring performances by popular Quebec singer-songwriter Claude Bégin (June 23, 10:30 p.m.); Montreal electropop group Le Couleur (June 22, 11 p.m.); Timmins, Ont., singer Céleste Lévis (June 22, 9:30 p.m.); Nova Scotia rapper Jacobus (June 22, 8 p.m.); and New Brunswick altrock band Les Hotesses d’Hilaire (June 23, 9 p.m.).
As well, internationally known Quebec clown, acrobat and juggler Jamie Adkins will perform four shows during the festival under a big top tent on the site.
Also coming to FrancoFEST are traditional West African group Bonsa (June 23, 3 p.m.); folk group Ariko (June 22, 6:30 p.m.); and Ontario rockers Billy Love Band (June 23, 1:30 p.m.).
Entrance to the site and main stages performances are free, although admission to Adkins’ big top shows are $5. The Gage Park site opens at 5 p.m. on June 22 and noon on June 23.
This year’s FrancoFEST will also feature a flavours of the French-speaking world pavilion where people can sample the foods of North America, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe and South America.
The festival also will have a craft market and family zone for children.
Last year’s festival, organized by the Centre francophone Hamilton, drew 8,000 visitors.
For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit the website francofesthamilton.ca.