Langley’s International Festival Society will host its 7th Annual Cultural Festival on Aug. 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Douglas Park in the heart of Langley.

More than 55 countries will be represented at this free outdoor event. The festival is the centerpiece of a civic committee called the Anti-Racism and Multiculturalism Task Force, supported by both the City of Langley and Township of Langley municipal governments. Its mandate is to focus on ways to create ongoing multiculturalism dialogue, awareness and education.

Shar Dubas, International Festival co-ordinator, says the event continues to grow. Sponsors for this year’s festival include the City of Langley, Township of Langley, Shaw Multicultural Channel, Langley Times, Douglas Park & Recreation Centre, local merchants, and other community groups and businesses. Some of the proceeds of the event will go to the Langley School District Foundation’s International Students program for the Karen refugee students from Myanmar. 

"Last year, more than 5,000 people attended our event which represented 40 countries," said Dubas. We anticipate attendance at 8,000 this year.

"Our focus continues to be the celebration of Canada’s amazing diversity and to inspire unity. We accomplish this by inviting people from all countries to bring together their ethnic traditions, food, fashion, and performing and visual arts in a safe environment.There’s something for everyone."

People of all cultural backgrounds are invited to share their heritage and traditions with the Langley community.