Did you know that Hornby Island, located along the Strait of Georgia south of Comox, hosts world-class performances each year? The 44th Annual Hornby Music Festival, featuring 10-days of music, art, and community celebrations takes place starting July 30.
Festival shows and events are presented at different venues on the island, including Rosemuir Farm (9925 Central Rd); the Community Hall (4305 Central Rd); the Gallery Hornby Arts Centre (2115A Sollans Rd); Grassy Point Park (northern Island off Harwood Rd); and the Lawn at CHFR Radio Station (Joe King Park, 3851 Central Rd). To visit show venues, hop aboard The Hornby Island Bus (https://hornbybus.com/), which operates daily during July and August from 8:35am to 7:35pm along main routes across the island. If you have fold-up electric bikes aboard your vessel, it’s a great way to get around this relatively small island.
Festival music genres cover folk, blues, rock, jazz, and classical. You can also enjoy literary readings, workshops, and art exhibits, as well as indigenous programming. Evenings at Rosemuir Farm is the cornerstone of the Hornby Festival, with most classical concerts held at the Island Community Hall. Free 20-minute shows and interviews with the artists are held throughout the island to give a preview of what’s happening that evening.
For a list of artists and scheduled events go to www.hornbyfest.com/the-festival and for ticket pricing and online ticket purchases, go to www.hornbyfest.com/tickets. You can also purchase tickets at the Box Office (2125 Sollans Rd) or at the door after the Box Office closes. The Box Office can be contacted at 250-335-2734 or email boxoffice@hornbyfest.com with questions.
Boaters come from all over the region to attend this special arts festival, anchoring in Tribune Bay to go ashore by kayak, or find moorage at the Ford Cove Harbour Authority docks. (Note that moorage reservations are not taken in July; call ahead regarding dock space.) Taking a water taxi from Comox is another viable option for visiting Hornby Island. This annual event at Hornby is a great opportunity to enjoy renowned artists from Canada and around the world during your summer boating season.
The Hornby Festival Society is a non-profit organization. You can help support the Hornby Festival by purchasing “50/50 Raffle” tickets at island locations, while having a chance to win cash prizes. And you won’t go hungry either, a variety of food vendors will be at Rosemuir Farm during the Music Festival.
Other dining options include the newly remodeled Thatch Waterfront Pub (250-335-2833) accessed via a trail from the docks at Ford Cove or use the pub’s dinghy dock (call to check hours and make reservations). The recently renovated restaurant above the store at Ford Cove is another great option, offering fabulous views.
Come experience island life and the exciting music festival at Hornby Island!
Header Photo Credit: Don Peterson Photography, Hornby Festival Society
Rosemuir Farm Main Stage Photo: Canadian Traveller
Tribune Bay Photo: James Wiebe
Ford Cove Restaurant: Lorena Landon
Thatch Pub Photo: Thatch Pub website
