Westfest

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Hilotrons at Westfest 2006

Westfest is a free music, visual, literary, dance, spoken word, and performance art festival in Ottawa, Ontario. It takes place over two days in early June on Richmond Road in the Westboro village neighbourhood.

Westfest largely showcases local and indie Canadian talent. Headliners for the event have included Kathleen Edwards (2007), The Cash Brothers/Skydiggers (2006), Cowboy Junkies (2005) and Jane Siberry (2004).

Buffy Sainte-Marie is scheduled to perform at 2008's festival.

Ember Swift at Westfest 2004

[edit] History

Westfest was started in 2004 as a single-day event that year. In 2005 the event was lengthened to two days and supported 5,000 people in the main stage area. In 2006 it was equipped for 10,000. By 2007, the event involved three days.

The festival's founder is Elaina Martin who as of 2008 also serves as the Executive Director of the Westboro Village Business Improvement Area, the district's business association.[1]