Afrofest Queen’s Park
By michelle-lee : After a successful; 18th “Afrofest”, organizers say they will fight to keep the 2-day event at Queen’s Park. Earlier this year the City, citing the stress placed on the park, threatened to withhold the venue. It was only after a large group of supporters protested and the City struck a deal at the last moment that the festival was allowed to be held at the park “for the last time”. Afrofest board member Alistar Wentworth said that although it was true the festival did put some stress on the park, the situation can easily be minimized.
Afrofest attracts thousands of people who enjoy the atmosphere and entertainment. This year the South African band Dizu Plaatjies and Duyambo and Zimbabwean singer Thomas Mapfumo performed along with the Symphony Steel Orchestra, a mainly female group of panists aged 15-21 under the direction of Delano Thomas. Thomas, who attended Queen’s Royal College in Trinidad, is a life-member of Starlift Steel Orchestra.
Afrofest organizers say Queen’s Park (on the grounds of the Ontario Legislature) is the best venue for the festival and if necessary they will be more committed and organized to fight for the venue next year.
