BreakOut West is back

Photo: Contributed

BreakOut West is returning to Kelowna.

The music and arts festival, hosted by the city in 2010, will return to Kelowna next year.

The 16th annual showcase festival and conference will take place Oct. 10 to 14.

Kelowna Coun. Ryan Donn said recently the 2010 event in Kelowna was the impetus for him to start Creative Okanagan, a non-profit organization which promotes the arts and hosts numerous events, including West Kelowna's Music in the Park.

Prior to the 2010 event, Donn said there were only a handful of venues that hosted live music. That number has more than tripled, due in large part to BreakOut West.

Next year, Creative Okanagan will serve as host of the event.

"Our host committee, made up of amazing individuals interested in the music sector development in our community, is very excited to be welcoming the BreakOut West suite of events to our city next year," said committee chair Karma Lacoff.

"We know the event will drive economic impact through tourism and music industry development as well as being a super fun time for all that attend, local and visitors."

BreakOut West will include a three-night music festival or new talent from across Western Canada, a four-day career development conference and international industry program, and awards programs honouring the best of Western Canada's artists and industry.

"Kelowna is a perfect fit for BreakOut West. We are happy to be heading west to Kelowna and are honoured with the excitement that is already growing in the host committee and the community," said BreakOut West executive director Robyn Stewart.

"We look forward to working with community partners to combine this beautiful destination and the incredible talent coming out of Western Canada."