The Greater Victoria summer festival scene will be without one of its major events this year as Rock the Shores organizers have announced that the Colwood festival won’t happen in 2017.
The festival, which has hosted bands such as Jane’s Addiction, City and Colour and Metric on the fields of the Juan de Fuca Recreation site, debuted in 2012 and has grown to be one of West Shore Parks and Recreation’s top events.
On Wednesday, Atomique Productions announced the cancellation through their website, citing the limited availability of suitable headline talent, market saturation and competition due to Canada 150 celebrations.
Organizers said that they plan to return in 2018.
“Our goal from the beginning was to build THE annual rock festival for Islanders and we remain 100% committed to it,” the website stated.
“Rest assured, the journey is far from over and we will keep everyone posted as we shape next year’s festival.”
On Thursday, WSPR Chair Ed Watson said the news came as a surprise.
“We heard that they might have some difficulty finding acts but we weren’t anticipating (the cancellation),” he said.
Watson said WSPR has made money on the event in the past, but budgeted a conservative return of $30,000 this year because of a busy summer of Canada 150 celebrations.
An extended playoff run by the Victoria Grizzlies and the possibility to host the 2017 Mann Cup could help them make up for that shortfall, Watson said.
Other events could be planned for the summer as well.
“Staff [have] now got an opportunity to come up with some alternatives,” he said.
Should the festival return in 2018, WSPR will be more than happy to have them back, Watson added.
“It’s unfortunate that they are unable to put the concert on this year. It’s been a very popular and well-attended community function. But, we’ll welcome them back next year,” he said.
For ticket refund information, visit rocktheshores.com
Â
