A brief history of wonderment
Wonderment is a “big tent” ambient music festival that features diverse electronic and electro-acoustic live music performances by ambient or ambient adjacent artists. It takes place over the “BC Day” long weekend, which falls on the weekend prior to the first Monday in August each year.
Wonderment began as an event series in 2016, evolving into the long weekend festival format in 2019. Given most events take place in public parks, Wonderment was one of the only music festivals to hold in-person events in British Columbia in 2020, and was the first major music event on Vancouver Island once pandemic restrictions relaxed (no COVID exposures at either event!). As a result, Wonderment’ blossomed from its community festival roots to the regional festival it is today, with audiences over 5,000 through the 2022 and 2023 editions.
Past event posters and video
Over the years, Wonderment has been supported by public sector funding, regional businesses and other community groups, without which the festival’s free outdoor programming would not be possible. We are ever grateful for this support, as well as the private donations we receive year round and at Wonderment events.
Public funds that has supported Wonderment’s development include:
Heritage Canada – Canada Arts Presentation Fund
Tourism BC – BC Fairs, Festivals and Events Grant
Creative BC / Amplify BC – Live Music Fund
Capital Regional District – Project Fund
City of Victoria – Festival Investment Grant
BC Community Gaming Grant
