Organizers of the African Descent Festival announced Friday evening that their upcoming event has been cancelled, just a day before it was expected to start.

The festival, which has been running annually for more than a decade, was set to take place at English Bay Aug. 9 and 10.

Tens of thousands of people were expected to attend and take in live performances and vivid cultural displays.

In a news release, the Vancouver Park Board said it was unable to issue a permit for the event.

“Organizers of the African Descent Festival did not resolve outstanding issues from previous events in time to meet the necessary planning, safety, and operational requirements for the 2025 festival,” the board said.

“Staff made considerable efforts to support the event by offering alternative solutions, in

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