Toronto has released new details about its planned World Cup fan festival, including a list of performers that it says will be taking the stage.
The event is set to take place at the Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway between June 11 and July 19.
The city says that the festival will feature 46 live match broadcasts alongside performances and programming that will “celebrate both the tournament’s global teams and Toronto’s diverse communities.”
Some of the musicians and artists expected to perform at the fan festival include Brampton-raised singer Alessia Cara as well as bands like Bedouin Soundclash, Big Wreck and Walk off the Earth.
The city says that the grounds will also feature a custom soccer mini-pitch featuring the artwork of Indigenous artist Alanah Astehtsi’ Otsistóhkwaˀ Jewel.
The city plans to make up to 16,000 free tickets available each day, about 80 per cent of all tickets.
The remaining capacity will be set aside for paid VIP access.
The free tickets were announced last week after the city faced backlash for plans to charge a $10 admission fee.
“FIFA Fan Festival Toronto will bring residents and visitors together to celebrate the game and our city. Keeping this free was important, so everyone has the opportunity to take part and feel part of this historic moment,” Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said in a press release. “ This is an opportunity to showcase Toronto as a safe, affordable and caring city, while creating space for communities to connect and celebrate together.”
Here is the full list of confirmed performers for Toronto’s World Cup fan festival:
- AHI
- Alessia Cara
- Allied Nations
- Anna Sofia
- Bedouin Soundclash
- Big Wreck
- The Brokes
- Choir! Choir! Choir!
- Classic Roots
- Deborah Cox
- Dwayne Gretzky
- Ikky,
- k-os
- MICO
- Murda Beatz
- Nimkii and the Niniis
- Shawn Desman
- SHOUT! the band
- Skratch Bastid
- Snotty Nose Rez Kids
- The Strumbellas
- TOBi
- Tyler Shaw
- Walk off the Earth
