A weekend of band music in Memorial Park will be lost once again this summer.
The Delta Music Makers Concert Band has made the decision to postpone the 2021 Ladner Bandfest, due to COVID-19 restrictions and uncertainties.
Memorial Park will be alive with sounds of the Bandfest once again in June of 2022.
“Many Deltans look forward to this event, and some actually spend morning ‘til night both Saturday and Sunday to hear every note from every band,” said director Curt Jantzen. “Since the pandemic hit last March, this wonderful music event was cancelled for June 2020, and now, with the completion of vaccinations not expected until the summer, the Bandfest committee has made the necessary decision to postpone it again.”
Jantzen said in a normal year, musicians would be coming from across B.C. to play in 19 groups during the weekend. Space in Bandfest is highly valued by the various concert bands.
“The greatest benefit to Delta residents comes from the fact that there is no entry fee, the public is welcome free of charge,” said Jantzen. “People relax on their lawn chairs while listening to the music, children whoop it up at the waterpark, music companies set up colourful shops, and members of the service club TOOB sing and dance as they provide refreshments.”
Delta Music Makers started this event in 2004, under the organizational leadership of Jantzen, Brian Ellis, and then-Mayor Lois Jackson, along with a strong committee.
They are proud that it has grown to become an important annual landmark in the musical lives of British B.C. concert bands and local residents.
“Delta city council and Mayor George Harvie continue to provide outstanding support for this artistic event, which has placed Ladner on the musical map of B.C.,” said Jantzen.
Likely dates for the return of Bandfest are Jun 4 and 5, 2022.
