Finding ways to beat the heat was almost as important as the music to many Hillside Festival patrons over the weekend.

The event broke a record for water consumption, as people repeatedly refilled their reusable water bottles in an effort to stay hydrated. A misting centre provided some relief, while many other festival-goers simply opted to take the plunge in Guelph Lake.

Performers were offered cold wet towels to help them cool off between songs. At one performance, they were given loaded water guns, which they turned on the crowd to help cool the fans.
But there was more than music and heat to distract people at the festival.

Though music was likely the top priority for most festival goers, the event provided a wide variety of entertainment for people of all ages. Workshops on everything from yoga to juggling, as well as food, interesting vendors, a beautiful setting and musical entertainment for any taste made it easy for people to spend all weekend on the island.

For a gallery of photos from the event, visit the “Photos” section of out website and check out the pictures under “Hot Hillside festival.”