Essence Festival hits record attendance at 550,000
NEW ORLEANS (AP) – The Essence Festival marked its 20th anniversary by setting a record for annual attendance with more than 550,000 participants celebrating four days of R&B music, community and black culture at the New Orleans’ convention center and Superdome.
That’s about 10,000 more people than attended the 2013 festival, which included a sold-out performance by Beyoncé. Organizers said the 2014 festival earned the distinction of being the largest gathering in its history.
This year’s festival included more than 80 musical performances highlighted by Prince, Lionel Richie, Charlie Wilson, Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Trey Songz and The Roots.
There were also more than 150 speakers addressing everything from solutions to crime and violence to growing entrepreneurs and maintaining healthy relationships.