First off, we want to apologize for any confusion and inconvenience you may have encountered at last night's Toronto Lights Fest. Our event is one of unity and love and it is disheartening when things get in the way of our purpose.
We have held this event at this
venue before, and it was a great time. We went into yesterday’s event fully anticipating another awesome experience. We followed all necessary procedures and had the proper permits. The event was not even close to being oversold. Everyone was enjoying the entertainment as we waited for nightfall and the lantern launch. We were understandably shocked to learn that at some point towards the end, the police had shown up and were turning people away. They would not allow us to talk to those stranded participants and were not forthcoming with any information to help us understand why they were trying to shut us down. Again, we had obtained all the proper permits, just like last time we held The Lights at this location. This event was 100% approved. We are still trying to figure out why this happened.
They demanded the event to be canceled minutes before it was time for our participants to launch their lanterns. We know many of you were able to set off your lantern anyway (props to you)! But we are also aware that a number of participants were not able to get into the event at all.
We will make this right. We have already started the search for a new location that will properly host The Lights. And you will all be welcomed back to truly experience what this festival is all
about.
Again, we are so sorry the night did not go as planned. We can’t wait to make it up to you. Thank you for your understanding and for sharing your light with us.
If you have any questions, simply reply to this email.
