Virgin Festival

TORONTO’S VIRGIN FESTIVAL SET TO BE A ‘SMASHING’ SUCCESS
Toronto concertgoers the first in Canada to experience the return of the Smashing Pumpkins

TORONTO (ONTARIO) MARCH 15, 2007 – Following the success of Virgin Mobile Canada’s first Virgin Festival, year two promises to be bigger and better – with eight major acts now confirmed to perform on Toronto Island on September 8th and 9th. The Smashing Pumpkins will be headlining the show in their first stop in Canada since November, 2000 and Icelandic singer/songwriter Björk will close the show on day one of the festival.

« The Smashing Pumpkins, Bjork, The Killers and more than 30 other artists bring a level of excitement that puts Virgin Festival on the cutting edge of North American Festivals, » said Richard Branson, chairman of the Virgin Group and founder of Virgin Mobile Canada. « Virgin’s roots are in the music industry and it’s that history that helped make Virgin Mobile’s first Virgin Festival the hottest ticket of last summer. Virgin Festival 2007 will be taking the experience to an even higher level. »

Rounding out the bill of headliners are The Killers, already confirmed to play Vancouver’s Virgin Festival in May, Interpol, Tokyo Police Club, Jamie T., Paolo Nutini and Amy Winehouse. These artists mark the first eight acts of more than 35 artists that are expected to perform on three stages over the course of the weekend.

« Virgin is about doing things differently, so we always focus on making Virgin Festival much more than just a concert, » said Andrew Bridge, director of Virgin Festivals, Virgin Mobile Canada. « With heavyweight acts like The Killers and indie favourites like Interpol, we’re going to take the momentum from last year’s success and do it up Virgin-style to create an even more unique entertainment experience. »