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Diversity, unity the themes of this new Burnaby street festival

The inaugural North Road Festival is expected to draw thousands to Burnaby's City of Lougheed Mall for live music, entertainment and food trucks galore.
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The City of Lougheed Mall in Burnaby will be the site of the inaugural North Road Festival on Sept. 2, 2023. | File photo

A new day-long street festival is coming to Burnaby's City of Lougheed neighbourhood next weekend.

And organizers are expecting thousands of local residents to attend and take in a diverse slate of musical acts, dance performances and food trucks.

The North Road Festival is in the final stages of preparation for its debut on Saturday (Sept. 2).

The Burnaby North Road Business Improvement Association (BIA) is hosting the free inaugural event, believing it can lay down a foundation for more unity.

"Embodying the vision of a vibrant and diverse community that embraces multiculturalism and fosters growth for all BIA members. Reflecting the community's commitment to inclusivity, cultural exchange, and collective progress. Our unwavering commitment lies in the development of businesses, in the North Road Region, and the overall vitality of the area," reads a statement on the festival's website.

"Renowned as the largest Korean shopping district in the Lower Mainland, the North Road Festival has the potential to become the quintessential annual event, capturing the heart and soul of Lougheed."

Live and interactive street acts are set to entertain visitors to the festival.

And while a slate of performers has yet to be unveiled, as of this publication (Aug. 27), organizers have teased cultural groups representing Canada, Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The event is set to delight "fashion enthusiasts and K-pop fans," too, the event description states.

The Burnaby North Road BIA is a non-profit organization that serves local businesses in the area and works to enhance the community.

It also hosts the annual Korean Community Days, Korean Heritage Festival and the North Road Halloween Costume Parade.

The North Road Festival, which will be stationed at the Austin Road entrance to The City of Lougheed mall (9855 Austin Rd.), is scheduled for Sept. 2 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, you can visit the event's website.