Summer rock concert heads to B.C.'s Pemberton Valley

Residents of a small community just outsideWhistler, B.C., are preparing to turn up the volume next summer as amusic promoter makes plans for a major, three-day concert in theusually quiet village of Pemberton.

HUKA Entertainment says the lineup won't be revealed just yet,but the dates and location of the festival are set and tickets areavailable online at pembertonmusicfestival.com as early as Fridaymorning.

The concert, which HUKA CEO A.J. Niland says will include A-listheadliners offering a wide spectrum of rock, indie, hip-hop,electronic dance music and more, will be held in the PembertonValley, about 35 kilometres north of Whistler, from July 18 to 20.

The Lil'wat Nation, Pemberton business, tourism and elected officials are all behind the event which a HUKA news release sayswill include a variety of arts, activities and other forms ofentertainment and offer a blend of on-site camping and off-sitehotel lodging options.

Pemberton hosted a large, multi-day concert in 2008 and while theevent received accolades, promoter Live Nation cancelled furtherconcerts in the area because of logistical and financial problems.

HUKA is optimistic it has resolved at least some of thoseproblems by gaining permission to use acreage beside the plannedfestival grounds, eliminating the need for off-site camping orexcessive commuting which was blamed for causing major trafficdelays at the 2008 concert.