Despite pushback before the festival, local government officials in attendance praised the ‘incredible’ event.
Since its incorporation in 1912, the District of West Vancouver officially recorded its most lit day in history on Aug. 29, 2026.
That Saturday evening marked Soulrise Music Festival, with a lineup of EDM acts performing from around 3 to 10 p.m. The event was headlined by world-renowned DJ and producer Anyma, whose iconic visual art was displayed on what was said to be the largest LED wall in the country.
Soulrise was promoted by GSL Group — behind the now-defunct Ambleside Music Festival — as well as Insomniac, Off2 Project and Harbour Event & Convention Centre.
A spokesperson confirmed that there were around 20,000 people in attendance for the show, which took place on the grass field and baseball diamond at Ambleside Park.
While government officials in West Vancouver, one of the region’s oldest and wealthiest municipalities, received significant pushback before the event, most of the people I spoke to around the festival grounds before the concert had positive things to say.
John McCarter, a 30-year West Van resident, says he thinks it’s a great thing for the district.
“It’s bringing the place alive,” he says. “It’s fun.”
To people who did have an issue with the festival, McCarter adds: “Don’t worry about it.”
Ambleside businesses ‘packed’ on festival day
Inside the venue, throngs of folks in rave attire filtered through crowded entry gates and into the concert area, which was packed with food vendors, bartenders and portable restrooms.
As you might expect from an electronic music festival, Soulrise delivered big sound paired with a visual feast of lasers, lights, smoke and trippy visuals projected onto the LED wall.
Among the crowd were members of West Vancouver council, including Couns. Sharon Thompson, Christine Cassidy, Scott Snider and Mayor Mark Sager.
Snider says he talked to a lot of the business owners in the neighbourhood over the course of the day, and they were all packed.
“They’re very excited about the number of people in the community,” he says loudly, over the pulsing thrum of heavy bass and synthesizers.
“I think being able to introduce new venues and activities and interests, a greater community, is good,” he adds.
But if five years ago someone asked him if this sort of thing would happen in West Van…. “Not bloody likely,” Snider says.
Sager, clearly enjoying the energy of the evening, hails the organizers for making Soulrise a success.
“This is incredible,” he says.
Following the festival, reactions were mixed online. Some praised the event for bringing something fun to the region, while others complained of a lack of free water stations and parking.
Watch what the concert was like on TikTok
@vancouverisawesome West Vancouver just had its most lit moment in history, as Soulrise music festival took over Ambleside Park on Saturday, Aug. 29. EDM arist Anyma headlined with his signature visuals on huge LED screens. #vancouver #edm #anyma #westvancouver ♬ original sound – Vancouver Is Awesome