It may seem unusual to hear that a metal music festival is happening in Millet this weekend but even more rare is the fact that the entire event is organized and run by women.
The all-ages Decimate Metal Festival, which has taken place around Alberta since 2017, is 100 per cent female-run from planning to execution.
Sloan Voxx, lead singer of "Syryn" and the founder and primary organizer of the festival, says it just worked out that way over the years and they have no plans to change.
“We do love the fact that we're kind of one of the only festivals run entirely by females, that we're aware of anyway, in Canada. I think that's a neat differentiator between us and some of the other festivals,” says Voxx.
The festival has been changing locations across Alberta since its inception until last year when they settled in Millet.
“We wanted to find our forever home so we could grow within it,” Voxx says. “As soon as we went to Millet, saw the space, met some people in the community we figured it’s a no-brainer. This is the best place for us to be.”
The festival will feature 30 bands, with performers from Buffalo, N.Y., San Francisco, and across Canada, as well as youth acts.
Last year’s event in Millet drew more than 250 attendees and Voxx is hoping for a larger crowd this weekend.
“We are a growing festival, so we hope to see that number increase year after year,” she says. “Especially because we're in a new venue now people kind of need to find us again.”
Last year’s feedback also highlighted the strength of the all-women organizing team.
“We just had so many compliments about how well run it was, how well organized it was,” Voxx says. “And we were like, OK, clearly this is working let’s not change it.”
The weekend will also include drag king and queen performances, vendors, camping and an air guitar contest for both youth and adult participants where the winners take home real guitars.
Although the team is all women, they welcome men who want to get involved, especially as they seek to expand the organizing committee, add more volunteers, and build new sponsorships and partnerships.
The festival kicks off Friday night at the Millet Agriplex with doors opening at 5:30 p.m., bands starting at 6. and Voxx’s band Syryn will hit the stage at 9.
For the full lineup, tickets and more information, visit the Decimate Metal Festival website.
And if you're interested in volunteering, visit https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/volunteer
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