Festival Village: A Photo Recap

Last weekend, NXNE launched their first edition of Festival Village this year and brought some amazing acts to the heart of downtown Toronto. Taking over Yonge St. the village featured a main stage in Dundas Square, a beer garden, and various booths lining the street, which was blocked off for the event. Festival village kicked off on Friday night, with toronto rapper Jazz Cartier headlining the show. Cartier played to square full of Torontonians, the event was free and the crowd grew exponentially as his performance neared. Other acts from the night included Azealia Banks, US Girls and fellow toronto rapper Cadence Weapon. Night two featured scottish synth pop band Chvches as the headliner as well as english musician Yungblud. I have to be honest, I had never heard of Yungblud before this show, but his charisma had won me over (and it seemed most of the crowd as well) within minutes of being on stage. This socially conscience artist put on one of the most energetic shows I’ve seen in a while, and is definitely on my list of artists to see again when they stop through the city. Performing in between the two oversea acts was Canadian favourite Lights, who put on an amazing show to crowd full of Torontonians who knew all the words to her hits. I’m sure many of those in attendance will agree when I say that Festival village was a great way to spend a Saturday night. Sunday night closed the festival with american singers Tinashe & Big Freedia as well as Toronto pop band Bueller. Festival Village was a great new addition to North By North East, spreading the festivals (which already boasts over 200 artists) audience to an even bigger percentage of the city. The website says Festival Village is never leaving, and we can’t wait to see what they bring next year!