Big Music Fest returns to Belleville. The outdoor concert will return Saturday, June 16 with seven bands at East Zwicks Island Park.
But don’t expect any classic rock – this year or any other. Organizers said they’re now aiming their shows at a younger audience. Promoter Mark Higgins said the classic acts are fine, but they’ve had their turn. “It’s time for fresh meat,” said Higgins. “This is the new direction. This is a brand-new, fresh, exciting bill.” The event will feature four major Canadian rock acts – Three Days Grace, Metric, The Sheepdogs and Arkells – but they’ll be preceded by three pop bands more popular with the younger set. New Cities will begin the day, followed by Dragonette and Marianas Trench. “We really want the family component there,” Higgins said.
Big Music Fest began in 2008 but was cancelled last year when plans fell through at the last minute. “We’re thrilled to be back with a whole new show, a longer event, and a great musical experience,” site manager David Joyce said. He called it “two sounds, two shows for the price of one.” That price is $59.50 plus tax and service charges.
Higgins and Joyce said they’ve won city approval for a record 25,000 fans if needed. “The production’s much bigger than we’ve ever had in Belleville,” said Higgins, promising a concert spectacle. The liquor-licensed area has been expanded. Police will again be present. Organizers have partnered with the Bay of Quinte Tourist Council to boost their event’s profile.
Council president Ryan Williams called it “an incredible addition to tourism in the region,” saying it is the largest local concert but complements the others. “We estimate between $1.5 million and $2 million will be the economic spin-off,” Williams wrote in an e-mail. He added the council will sell tourism packages – bundling tickets with those to provincial parks, wakeboarding, golf and the National Air Force Museum – to encourage visitors to stay longer in the region.
The gates will open at noon, rain or shine.
Details are online at www.bigmusicfest.com.