Friday night at our 25th Anniversary is a big celebration of the global power of reggae. One of South America’s biggest reggae bands, the legendary GONDWANA returns to Victoria and takes our festival stage for the very first time! Named for a time when all continents were one, Gondwana represents the global unity and power of reggae music like few bands can. For over 35 years, Gondwana has been one of the most consistent and engaging reggae bands, building their empire without the backing of major labels, or big-time producers. They keep things in the family, preferring to work together to forge their own path. Their passion for honest, real reggae music has developed them a rabidly devout fanbase that has brought them all around the globe and back again. The last time they were in Victoria was a night that stuck with us for a long time and now, with the sun setting behind them on at Ship Point, Gondwana is going to bring a truly unforgettable reggae experience.

Joining us at Ship Point for our Friday night reggae party is one of the biggest bands to ever come out of reggae-fertile California, BIG MOUNTAIN. Best known for their incredible cover of Peter Frampton’s “Baby, I Love Your Way,” Big Mountain has amassed a remarkably consistent catalogue of fantastic reggae music over their more than three decades in music. Their careful dedication to the craft of reggae has made them a favourite of both reggae diehards and casual fans alike. Their sticky-sweet reggae drips down your ears and gives you that warm, comforting feeling of summer deep inside your soul. Taking the stage first and warming up the proceedings is Victoria’s blistering 12-piece BATUQUE AXÉ, who will be lighting things up with their high energy driving Brazilian rhythms and beautiful melodies. Our longtime ally DJ Su Comandante Espinoza will be behind the 1s-and-2s, getting feet moving and keeping them going between sets.