This evening at Saint John’s Bourbon Quarter Restaurant an announcement was made that a new festival will be held along the Saint John Waterfront during the New Brunswick Day long weekend. The festival, titled Area 506, will be a celebration of New Brunswick community, culture, music, and goods.

“New Brunswick Day should be about showing pride in our province,” says Area 506 Chair, Ray Gracewood. “The idea for this festival, and for the Area 506 group itself, stemmed from our desire to create something that would engage New Brunswickers from all parts of the province to come together and celebrate what’s special. We wanted to make this a party worth going to, and I think we’ve achieved that. We’ve got so many amazing things to celebrate and it’s time we stand together to applaud what makes New Brunswick great.”

With support from Discover Saint John, the three day festival, spanning July 29-31st, will take place primarily on Long Wharf in a fortress constructed of shipping containers, but will also make use of bars and venues throughout the city. Friday night will be dedicated to showcasing Saint John’s bars and restaurants with a city-wide festival pass, while Saturday will feature music from around New Brunswick. Communities from around the province have been invited to showcase their own special brand of New Brunswick culture, as well as local businesses and vendors.

The musical headliners were announced tonight, with Matt Andersen and The Bona Fide on Saturday night, and Grace Potter Sunday night. Other musical acts include Big Sugar, 1755, and July Talk. Area 506 are expected to make announcements of additional musical acts in the weeks to come.

Early bird tickets have gone on sale immediately for $59. For more information visit www.area506.ca

Information regarding a feasibility study on the proposed shipping container fortress as a suitable shelter in the event of a zombie apocalypse has yet to be made available by the City of Saint John.