RBC Echo Beach (Toronto, ON)
06/04/2023
Toronto’s first-ever pride festival, Lavender Wild, was held on June 6th for a jam-packed day of musical performances, drag acts, visual arts displays, and more. The event, carefully curated by a passionate team of queer individuals, aimed to create an empowering, inclusive, and positive space for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. It’s safe to say that was well accomplished on Sunday, as a multitude of people headed to Echo Beach to enjoy the festival.
Lavender Wild Festival not only marked a milestone for fans but also for the artists themselves. Vancouver’s own Jade LeMac graced the stage for the very first time, enchanting the crowd with music from her album “Constellations.” The Australian singer-songwriter G-Flip also took to the Canadian stage, showing off her impressive drum skills and powerful vocals. Her electrifying performance showcased continuous and engaging movement across the stage and interactions with the crowd.
Following a world tour, Hayley Kiyoko also performed but made sure to go all out for this event. Exceptional dancing, vibrant lighting, captivating backdrops, and a nostalgic rendition of hits like “Girls Like Girls” made Hayley’s set an unforgettable experience.
As the headlining act, girl in red stole the show with her infectious energy. She shared a poignant but important story about her journey to the festival, highlighting the importance of embracing pride and living life to the fullest. The climax of her performance was nothing short of extraordinary, complete with fireworks and a collective movement of the crowd.
Each artist emphasized Lavender Wild Festival’s significance for their personal journeys as queer performers and the queer community as a whole. Cristal Ramirez, the frontwoman of The Aces, playfully expressed before a song, “Getting to play at a queer festival like this means so much to us… And we’re gay as fuck!” Undoubtedly, the day left a mark on everyone present, presenting an atmosphere of celebration and unity. With hopeful anticipation, we eagerly await the festival’s return next year.
