Anniversary of the abolition of slavery will be celebrated in Burlington

To mark the 189th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade throughout the British Empire, a celebration will be held in Burlington this Saturday (Aug. 5).

Presented by the Halton Black History Awareness Society (HBHAS), the 2023 Halton Freedom Celebration Festival will occur at Spencer Smith Park from 1 to 11 p.m.

The festival will bring together musical acts, children’s activities, cultural art, food, and crafts, as well as heritage, historical, genealogical, and multi-cultural groups, promoting inclusivity and community integration, according to the HBHAS.

Musical performances will cover a broad spectrum featuring Canadian rhythm & blues, reggae, soul, funk, African, ska, soca, and pop artists.

It was in 1833 that the Slavery Abolition Act was passed in the United Kingdom which sought the gradual end to slavery in most parts of the British Empire. The move was spurred, in part, by the Act Against Slavery of 1793 tabled by Lieutenant-Governor John Grave Simcoe in the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada.