MultiFest set to bring people together

The first in-person MultiFest since 2019 is readying to highlight diversity and celebrate what makes everyone special this weekend

CITYnews halifax \ Jordan Parker

The first in-person MultiFest since 2019 is readying to highlight diversity and celebrate what makes everyone special this weekend.

Organizer Vishal Bhardwaj can’t wait for the community to see what the committee has prepared for them.

“The whole community is excited for this, and there’s been such positive response to this coming back. The food tent is booked up and we have double the performers we did last year,” he said.

There will be over 250 performers and 25 cultures represented at MultiFest this year, a welcome number following a strange few fests.

“This used to be the Multicultural Festival, but has since become the MultiFest, put together by an association of likeminded people,” he said. “It’s all volunteer-run, and meant to allow us to come together and celebrate diversity. It was hard with the last two done virtually.”

From Friday, July 22, straight through the weekend to Sunday, there will be plenty on display for residents.

“The weather looks great, and everyone will be ready. People are ready to enjoy themselves and really celebrate our uniqueness,” he said.

“This is about coming together to be who we are and the way we are all the time, and the community comes together for this.”

Alderney Landing in Dartmouth is playing host to 2022’s iteration, meaning folks will have a beautiful venue to enjoy.

“It’s just a really great place to be. There will be food, live performances, and it’s going to be fun. We started doing a Country In Focus feature, and this year we’re looking at the food, art and associations attached to India,” he said.

“They are marking the 75^th anniversary of their independence from the United Kingdom, and we really want to celebrate. There will also be an amazing Bollywood Night.”

There will be many distinguished guests, as well as artists and plenty of room for citizens to enjoy the fun.

“We will have MLAs, political figures, and so many amazing acts and performers from all over. It’s so nice to have people who care about the event,” he said.

Led by a fully volunteer board, he says that the help of people is what keeps this MultiFest going each year.

“Volunteers hear of this organization and sign up, and we couldn’t be more proud of what we put forward. We finish in July and always start planning for the next one in September,” he said. “It’s busy but it’s so much fun, and we always welcome volunteers.”

With free admission, fireworks on two nights, and so many vendors and performers, there’s something for everyone. He says it’s a cause close to him.

“This is about sharing love and diversity. When I did my first festival in 2002, I found a sense of belonging. I got a sense people knew and understood me,” he said.

“Over time I got more involved, and when the board took over I just wanted to keep being a bigger part of it. This will always be close to my heart.”

For more information about MultiFest, please visit multifestns.ca.