Things are afoot at Treelion Park this weekend. Combining the park-like setting with established Cambodian market staging operation CULT, Canopy Fest will take place over Saturday and Sunday offering a range of activities including two days of concerts by local acts. LengPleng went to see Yannick and Ann-Laure to chat about what Phnom Penh can expect.
“We want to see everyone gathered around the same stage,” says CULT founder Anne-Laure Bartenay. “We are envisioning more than just concerts – it’s about creating a full-day experience that keeps people engaged and exited to return the next day. With a wide range of activities for kids, teenagers and adults, there’s something for everyone to enjoy beyond the music.”
“The idea of this event comes from my homeland, the south west of France,” says Yannick. “We have the market, the kids’ activities, the music, the food. This sort of mix can work well.”
The live music line-up itself is impressive. “Saturday will be more dynamic. We will have a mix of many different kinds of music – traditional Khmer, reggae, eastern Europe. Khmer Magic Music Bus – they know how to make people dance. Maki Orkestr – you should check out the video trailer they made. And a late finish each night with DJs.” Other acts of note spread across the two days are the Brazilian rhythms of Batucada, the kids’ band Mimi & the Merrymakers, Khmer fusion with Lakhong Luong, ska from Checkered Past, indie rock with We Are Ewe, Pocket Change and band of the moment Japan Guitar Shop.
To match the music variety there will be 17 food and beverage vendors, each one with a different style, including Bai Mak Coffee & Eatery, Hummus House, My Way, Little Breiz, HOPS and Botanico.
Cambodia Ultimate Lifestyle Trade, Anne-Laure explains, is a platform to assist sustainable local products to reach a wider market, usually through holding markets where products can be displayed and purchased. “CULT was created nearly ten years ago, and we now have around 300 brands listed. It’s only for products made here; which can be foreign-owned, but it has to involve local people and be handmade, using traditional know-how. Most of them are fabulous offerings, but they have no visibility, and don’t know how to promote themselves. And it’s free to join.”
Also included across both Saturday and Sunday are art workshops and live painting, clowns, paintball, a flea market, and of course DJs going late. There are more details on their Facebook page.
“We are asked: are you targeting Cambodians or foreigners?” says Anne-Laure. “We are hoping to encourage both, to satisfy everyone’s taste. It’s the diversity of the offer that makes it different. Even day one and day two are different – so you can come on Saturday and Sunday for different activities.”
“Also we want to make it a green festival,” says Yannick. “There will be no food packaging, and we will have stainless steel cups available for a refundable deposit of 6,000 riel. And there is also a lucky draw with10-15 prizes for each day.”
“This is a paid event because we want to change the mind-set in Cambodia,” says Anne-Laure. “Not everything in life is free, and quality experiences come at a value, yet we’re keeping it affordable. We hope people will come, relax, enjoy great food, drink and music, and later join for the dancing.”
Live music commences on Saturday at 3.30 pm with Roberto Salgado and on Sunday at 3.30 pm with Mimi & the Merrymakers.
Tickets – $5 for Saturday and $2.50 for Sunday – can be purchased here or at the gate. Free for kids under 14!
