Cumberland council unanimously gave the thumbs up Atmosphere Gathering organizers had been hoping for, allowing the new August event to happen in Cumberland’s Village Park.
Council approved Monday a request for exemptions from the Village’s noise bylaw from Friday, Aug. 15 to Monday, Aug. 18, and a request to close Sixth Street temporarily between Dunsmuir and Keswick Avenues — with the exception of local traffic — to ensure clear access to the park.
“We are very excited that the Village staff, Cumberland council and the community at large are in full support of our Atmosphere Gathering,” Melissa Roeske, of Cumberland Village Works later told the Record. “The collaboration aspect of this event, with (Cumberland Village Works), Little Island Productions and the Gourmet Girls, promises to bring some real magic to our beautiful little village.”
The all-ages event, (Aug. 15 to Aug. 17), will feature live and electronic music acts, community meals and a variety of activities such as spoken word, dance performances, yoga and nature walks.
The festival will feature a main stage and two secondary stages, shuttles to and from the event and camping on-site with additional camping at Comox Lake. The dog park in Village Park will remain open throughout the event.
Coun. Roger Kishi noted the detail of plans included in the application caught his attention.
“I think that this is one of the most thorough reports for an event requesting a noise exemption and park use that I’ve seen on my time on council,” he said. “I really appreciated it.”
Coun. Kate Greening asked for clarity about whether organizers have any plans to obtain a liquor licence for the event before she made her decision.
Roeske answered: “We have an application in (to the RCMP) for a green room (liquor licence) for performers only, and other than that we’re going to direct people into the village.”
A few of the musical acts booked for Atmosphere Gathering are Chali 2na, A Tribe Called Red and Blackalicious. For details, visit www.atmospheregathering.com.
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