Introduction
When thousands of people gather to celebrate a national holiday like Canada Day, what they see on stage is just the tip of the iceberg. Behind the scenes, it takes careful planning, technical coordination, and a solid working relationship with city staff to make it all run smoothly.
In this blog, we’re pulling back the curtain on the Burnaby Village Museum Canada Day stage to show what goes into supporting a multi-act performance lineup in a public space, and why this kind of event requires more than just plugging in a speaker.
What Was the Event?
The Burnaby Village Museum Canada Day event (July 1, 2025) was part of the City of Burnaby’s larger celebration, which included three venues across the city. The Village hosted live performances, multicultural entertainment, and family activities from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
This was a civic event meant to connect diverse communities in an open, family-friendly environment. The Orchard Stage featured a rolling schedule of local talent including:
• Jessica Yue
• Rene Hugo Sanchez y sus Amigos
• Kevin Takahide Lee
• The Lucky Trappers
The Real Work Happens Before the Show
While the audience arrives around showtime, our work starts well before. We coordinated with the City of Burnaby, on-site custodial contacts, and stage managers to map out a successful show day. Here’s what that involved:
• Reviewing the site logistics in advance
• Confirming gear access points and load-in times
• Providing a full PA system with wireless microphones and a variety of instrument mics
• Preparing for quick changeovers between acts
• Working with performers to understand their technical needs
Why a Stage Plot Is Non-Negotiable
For events with multiple musical acts, a detailed stage plot is what keeps things moving. It tells the crew where each instrument and mic will be, how many DI boxes are needed, and whether backline gear needs to shift during transitions.
Without this info, there’s no way to prepare properly. That leads to delays, rushed troubleshooting, and stressed-out performers. With a solid stage plot and tech advance, we can:
• Mic and cable the stage efficiently
• Avoid trip hazards and mess
• Give each performer a clean audio mix
• Keep to schedule
The Value of Working With City Staff
On civic events like these, nothing happens without city support. Our work included:
• Coordinating with City of Burnaby’s custodial and event teams
• Following city timelines and safety procedures
• Ensuring all gear fit within the footprint and power limitations of the Orchard Stage
That collaboration makes the difference between an amateur setup and a professional-grade experience that respects the venue, the public, and the performers.
What This Means for Other Events
If you’re planning a civic, multicultural, or family-focused event in a public space, here’s what you can learn from this:
• Start planning early, especially for power, stage footprint, and tech needs
• Provide clear tech info and a stage plot for all performers
• Work with a provider who understands how to coordinate with city or municipal staff
These steps aren’t just technical. They’re what make your event enjoyable for the audience, smooth for performers, and low-stress for you.
FAQs
Q: Can I hire one AV company to handle everything for a civic stage?
A: Yes. With the right partner, you can cover staging, audio, microphones, power routing, and tech support in one place.
Q: What if the venue doesn’t allow vehicle access close to the stage?
A: That’s common. We work with advance load-in/load-out strategies and rolling gear to manage long hauls safely and on time.
Q: Do I need to worry about technical riders from performers?
A: Yes, and your AV partner should request them in advance. That’s where stage plots and channel lists come in.
Final Thoughts
Events like Burnaby’s Canada Day are a celebration of culture, community, and connection. But behind the fun is a serious amount of planning. If your event needs stage support, AV services, or help coordinating with city staff, reach out to us. We’ll help make your day as successful behind the scenes as it is on stage.
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