Thousands of fans headed to Toronto Island Saturday, for day one of a festival that had less to do with film and more to do with rocking out. More than 60 acts are on the bill for the second annual Toronto Virgin Music Fest and with four stages set up, more than 35,000 music lovers were expected to fill out the island and soak up what could be the final warm days of summer. "It's just a big party with lots of people and everybody likes the same music," said one excited fan.
Acts ranging from Bjork to Interpol (pictured) were pulling in the crowds, but aside from the stellar lineup, the festival, pioneered by eccentric billionaire Richard Branson, is aiming to be one of the greenest in North America. It's all a long way from where the V-Fest started, back in Britain in 1996 with acts like the Cardigans and Pulp. Organizers are using recyclable beverage containers, and recycled toilet paper to help ease the ecological footprint during the weekend-long event.
"You have to do it, you don't have a choice, the world is in dire straits," said Virgin spokesman Nathan Rosenberg. "We want to be able to provide entertainment, let people have a good time but do it responsibly.
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