Ever since I was a kid in high school I have had teachers that love the Arkells like its their religion. They have memorillia and they wear the Arkells t-shirts and for the longest time I thought my English teacher was a part of Arkells because he had so much of their stuff EVERYWHERE in the classroom. I said there’s no way someone will put up so much stuff of a band they like. So inevitably, when I found out the Arkells are performing on September 13 in Delta, you know I started planning.

John Donnelly festival producer for Barnside Festival told Tom Zillich for Surrey Now leader, that, “they bring the big show, with a full band and that sort of anthemic, feel-good rock, positive vibes, everybody singing, everyone smiling.” For people who may not be familiar with this band, they are a rock group, who pull influence from soul, pop and indie. They are known for their concerts, there’s lots of interactive elements, dancing and a sense of togetherness almost similar to that of Coldplay’s. But Arkells aren’t the only attraction for this festival. The festival is continuing for three days from Friday the 12^th to Sunday the 14^th and its happening at Paterson park. Tickets start at 100 dollars for single day admission with various artists performing each day, and the entire schedule can be found here. The festival has plus 100 vendors coming with some of my personal favorites being Bak’d cookies, What’s her face, a swimsuit brand that can customize the swimsuit fabric right then and there, and Seagypsy designs where the owner creates unique jewelry that’s perfect to give your outfit that Coachella vibe. If that wasn’t enough, there’s a site-wide liquor license, so you can drink, dance, create crafts all together. Other than Arkells, Walk off the Earth is bringing the music on Friday, and though they are known as a indie pop band, they really are genre defying, using instruments like the ukulele. They have got that charisma of impressing kids and adults alike, because the energy during their show just has that family friendly lyrics and music that kids will vibe to as well. Barnside festival isn’t like any other festival, its where big names like the Arkells and local artists from all around BC will be present. Its where you get to watch your favorite niche artists along with waiting until the big headliners come and in between you get to experience little parts of BC, with the vendors and the food you will eat. They have made admission for kids under 10 free, and I think that’s a beautiful testament to ensuring that accessibility is there for parents to attend, enjoy the music while their kids also get exposed to local BC talent, to seeing singers and musicians put it all out there on the stage, for little kids to dream of doing that one day, of them being proud of the province they live in that breeds such talent.