AFC Toronto's Caribbean Carnival Festival Night to Celebrate Caribbean Culture, Music, and Community

AFC Toronto's Caribbean Carnival Festival Night to Celebrate Caribbean Culture, Music, and Community
Published on
July 20, 2026

July 28 match to feature JFiyre, Tribal Rhythm Nation, anthem singer Divine Lightbody, and match ball delivery by Shannon Boodram Brady and Lauren Morrison

TORONTO, ON (July 20, 2026) – AFC Toronto will bring the rhythm, colour, and energy of Carnival to matchday when it hosts Calgary Wild FC on Tuesday, July 28 at York Lions Stadium for the club’s Caribbean Carnival Festival Night

The celebration is a tribute to the Caribbean community’s deep and lasting contributions to the culture, diversity, and identity of Toronto, a community that has helped shape the city into the vibrant, multicultural home it is today. As Carnival itself has long been a celebration of freedom, expression, and togetherness, AFC Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival Festival Night will bring that same spirit to the pitch.

"One of the things we love most about Toronto is the diversity of its communities. We are excited to welcome supporters from across the city to York Lions Stadium to celebrate Caribbean Carnival and share in that spirit through football.” said Helena Ruken, CEO and Co-Founder of AFC Toronto.

Matchday Experiences
Supporters will be welcomed with a Carnival-inspired atmosphere from the moment they arrive, with a full evening of performances, music, and cultural activations celebrating Caribbean heritage.

Performing the national anthem before kickoff is Divine Lightbody, a Toronto-based vocalist whose powerful voice and stage presence have made her a standout in the city’s music community.

Delivering the match ball will be Shannon Boodram Brady and Lauren Morrison, two accomplished Toronto women with Caribbean roots whose work has made a lasting impact on their communities. Born in Toronto to Caribbean parents, Shannon Boodram Brady holds a Master of Science in Psychology and has spent over 15 years making wellness and relationships education accessible and culturally relevant, most recently as Bumble’s Sex and Relationships Expert and host of The Marriage Pact on The Roku Channel. Lauren Morrison is an entrepreneur, executive coach, and leadership advisor helping founders and organizations build resilient, people-centred businesses.

Taking the pitch at halftime will be JFiyre, a rising young talent in the Soca music scene who gained attention as a child prodigy from Toronto, writing his own Carnival hits from an early age. JFiyre will be joined on the pitch by dancers bringing the full energy of Carnival to York Lions Stadium.

Bringing rhythm and energy to the matchday atmosphere throughout the match will be Tribal Rhythm Nation, a group founded in 2007 that celebrates Toronto's multiculturalism through Caribbean, African and Latin rhythms with drums and steel pans. 

Keeping the energy going throughout the match as in-game host will be Alicia “Ace” West, a prominent Toronto-based on-air personality, podcaster, and sports host best known for co-hosting Ace and Marlon in the Morning on Flow 98.7.

Match Details
Caribbean Carnival Festival Night
AFC Toronto vs. Calgary Wild FC
Monday, July 28, 2026
7:00 PM ET
York Lions Stadium

Single match tickets are available now. Supporters looking to experience more of AFC Toronto’s 2026 season can also purchase a Flex Pack, which includes tickets to any three or more regular season matches, a 10% savings compared to single-game pricing, and an exclusive AFC Toronto mini ball while supplies last.

Join the action and secure your ticket here.

About AFC Toronto
AFC Toronto is a founding club in the Northern Super League, Canada's new professional women's soccer league. The club continues to deliver a winning culture for players, staff, and supporters throughout the 2026 season.

Rooted in community and driven by purpose, AFC Toronto exists not only to compete at the highest level, but to create a platform for girls and women to lead, grow, and thrive, on and off the pitch. Guided by its ethos, Run It Our Way, the club is reimagining what it means to pursue excellence, build meaningful connections and define success on its own terms.

Media Contact
Christina Miller
Director, Public Relations, Media & Communications
AFC Toronto
cmiller@afctoronto.ca

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