FloFest & GloFest rock Florence Park once again

The much beloved local festival, FloFest & GloFest, rocked Florence Park this weekend. Running since 2013, the annual festival brings together live music, community groups, and local residents for a day—and night—long event. Our photographer Roger Close was there to capture the atmosphere.

FloFest is the daytime event, volunteer-run and non profit, and is free for anyone to attend. This year, the festival mixed bands, community performances, children's activities, and community stalls in a glorious cornucopia that represented the Florence Park community. Even some unexpected rain didn't dampen the attendees' spirits. And, for those with bated breath, the annual dog show was hotly contested. In the end, it was Ernie the Cockapoo who took the biscuit.

The main stage lineup included Puppet Mechanic, The Mighty Redox, Ethioxia, and Ben Smith, while the V-Stage saw May and the Mooncats, Swamp Angel, and Tyndale Gospel Choir, as well as many other local performers. Starling Sessions closed out FloFest, playing music from Ukraine to Pakistan and Brazil to huge acclaim.

By evening, the rain had cleared up, and the ticketed-access GloFest kicked off. The nighttime event starred Mount St. Helen, MarysGarden, The HorMones, and The Shotovers. Our correspondent declared The HorMones a standout performance - a homegrown over-50s all female punk band. They did some strong crowdpleasing with an absolute banger, “Sandwiches,” about the disproportionate amount of housework women are expected to manage. The song includes the refrain “fuck that shit” which the audience gleefully joined in with. They also debuted a new song “Taxi for the Patriarchy."

As always, the night finished with a spectacular finale courtesy of DJ James Ussher. By both day and night, Florence Park showed its community slays.

Same time, same place, next year?