The final version of PEI 2014’s theme song, Forever Strong, written by Mike Ross and Nicole Bellamy, is now available to the public to download at www.pei2014.ca/foreverstrong. The theme song is meant to capture the spirit of the Sesquicentennial and will serve as a musical legacy to the anniversary celebrations for many years.

“We are delighted with the final versions of the PEI 2014 theme song,” says Tourism and Culture Minister, Robert Henderson. “We’re thrilled that so many talented artists and musicians agreed to be involved in this special part of the PEI 2014 celebrations. Forever Strong is a fun and celebratory song that we hope Islanders will sing along with throughout 2014 and beyond.”

A French version of the song, Île au trésor, is also available to download at www.ipe2014.ca/ileautresor. Internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, Angèle Arsenault of Abram Village translated the lyrics of Forever Strong and Mont Carmel singer-songwriter, Patricia Richard provided vocals for the recording.

John-Angus MacDonald, lead guitar player for East Coast rockers The Trews, took on the role of producer for both versions. Some of PEI’s finest musicians were part of the recording including singer-songwriter, Tim Chaisson, who provided fiddle on both tracks and vocal harmonies on the English version. Forever Strong and Île au trésor were recorded at the Sound Mill Recording Studio in Emyvale, PEI by Sound Engineer, Jon Matthews. Other musicians who appear on the tracks include Tian Wigmore, Chris Corrigan, Deryl Gallant, and Kirk White. See below for a full list of song credits.

“I feel like the song really embodies the spirit and enthusiasm of the Island and its people,” says MacDonald. “It was a great cast of local talent that was assembled to bring this song to life. The vibe of the recording session was fun and upbeat and I think you can hear that on the recordings."

In 2014, Canadians will mark the 150th anniversary (Sesquicentennial) of the historic 1864 Charlottetown Conference, which paved the way to Confederation. PEI 2014 Inc. is facilitating the planning, promotion and implementation of the Sesquicentennial celebrations. The PEI 2014 celebrations are made possible through generous support from the Government of Canada and the Government of Prince Edward Island. The year-long and province-wide PEI 2014 program of events will honour the past, celebrate the present and plan a bold tomorrow.

Media Backgrounder: Click here to download.