It’s taken four years, but Rifflandia has returned to Victoria featuring multiple stages, two locations, and headline performers like DJ Diesel — known as Shaquille O’Neal.
The event will happen across two locations, featuring more than 100 performers, and it’s estimated that around 15,000 people will attend daily.
Royal Athletic Park will be for all ages, featuring food trucks, and performances by popular artists such as Charlie XCX and Lorde. The event’s president says that this year they’ve even lined up a marriage booth called “Lovelandia Weddings.”
“So we lined up a couple of wedding commissioners. You show up with your license and your friends, and you want to get married here? Go ahead.” said Nick Blasko, president of the Rifflandia Music Festival.
Electric Avenue is the location of the festival’s 19+ area. Along Discovery Street, Blasko says festival goers can find an array of dance artists, five stages, and an immersive dome. DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal) will also be performing.
“We’ve had more time to plan, assemble the team and really work on the look and feel and ethos of the festival,” said Blasko.
Rifflandia cancelled its 2019 event citing economic challenges and difficulty booking talent. With an extra two years to prepare, the president says 2022 will be the one that fans have been waiting for.
“People miss this festival, they want this festival back and I think there’ll be a range of emotions.” said Blasko.
Along with performers, workshop developments in partnership with the City, Music BC, and Creative BC will be given for free to local musicians.
Comedians will also be performing at the Electric Avenue location. Rifflandia begins at 7:30 p.m. at its Electric Avenue location on Sept. 15.
Oli Herrera
