Putting on a city festival is a massive undertaking. Especially if it’s the very first of its kind.

But if anyone can do it, Charity Williams can. 

Photo credit: Charity Williams

Williams, who is also an Olympic athlete  — her other life is playing rugby for Team Canada (yes, she’s busy) — is handling this like, well…an olympic athlete.

“Someone told me being naive is the best way to get into things and start big projects,” says Williams. "And I was like ‘hey let’s put on a festival! And when I finally got to see what I was doing, it was so intense."

“But it’s such an amazing experience I’ve been lucky to have in life.”

The Function Festival takes place August 20th in the Inner Harbour and will be a jam-packed celebration of diversity and solidarity. Performers include artists like Kaash Paige, Bolsen, and Tick Tok Indigenous dancing sensation, Notorious Cree.

Now, if these names aren’t very familiar, that’s the whole point. The Function Festival is all about discovery and inclusivity. 

Williams got the inspiration to create Victoria’s first BIPOC celebration over two years ago, while helping a fellow teammate organize a Black Lives Matter event in town. 

Suddenly, she was speaking in front of 10,000 people, and a lightbulb went off.

“I remember looking into the crowd and thinking I’ve never seen this many people of colour before in Victoria. I was so overwhelmed with emotion,” Williams tells VictoriaNow. 

“It was finally a place for people of colour to come out and be together and feel welcome.”

Talking to Charity Williams is a refreshing rush of positivity. She doesn’t believe people should just show solidarity following tragic events. She has designed The Function Festival to embody joy and hope in the here-and-now.

“Whenever we’re trying to celebrate or show the other side of being a person of colour, it’s how amazing and bright and how beautiful it is on the other side.”

The event kicks off at 2:00 pm, three weeks from now, and will gather food trucks, artisans, musicians, and even have an on-site barbershop. 

“It’s not just for people of colour,” says Williams. "It’s for everyone to meet each other and eat new food and listen to music and enjoy each other’s company.” 

Tickets for the festival and more information can be found on The Function Festival’s site.