Photo Credit: Regina Folk Festival
Canada says goodbye to Regina Folk Festival. The organizers released a statement announcing the decision to shut down after more than 50 years.
The live music festival scene has seen more than its share of struggles over the past five years, and Canada perhaps more than most. According to the Canadian Live Music Association, the industry suffered a staggering 60% revenue decline since the pandemic. Festivals and Major Events Canada says costs to organize a music festival are up by 30-40% since 2019. As a result, Saskatchewan’s Regina Folk Festival will be shutting down after more than 50 years.
“It is with heavy hearts that the Regina Folk Festival Board of Directors announce the cancellation of the 53rd edition of the Regina Folk Festival,” organizers’ statement begins. “Despite the dedicated efforts of staff and board, it is no longer possible to continue producing the festival due to financial constraints and reduced operational capacity. The time has come to say goodbye to the Regina Folk Festival.”
Regina Folk Festival (RFF) Insider tickets purchased in 2024 and “You Had to Be There” tickets purchased in 2023 are in the process of being refunded, the statement explains. “Ticket buyers can check their email inboxes for their refund over the next few business days.”
Organizers go on to say the Board of Directors is working to dissolve the organization “with grace,” in accordance with their bylaws. Membership is invited to a special meeting later this spring to determine the next steps in that process.
“For many years, RFF enjoyed growth and abundance, but recently, economic challenges have become insurmountable. Ongoing financial pressures from the pandemic, including stagnant or reduced funding, rising costs, and declining ticket sales, have created obstacles we can no longer overcome.”
RFF announced a year off last year to “rebuild and re-vision the festival.” That hiatus enabled them to examine operational plans across the board while delivering a concert series in lieu of a festival. At first, the organization remained optimistic that it would be able to meet its targets in order to put on a festival in 2025.
“However, by the end of January, it became clear that financial challenges and capacity limitations could not be overcome,” they say. “The generosity and commitment of our funders, sponsors, and partners during a difficult period of time has been deeply appreciated. We’d like to give special thanks to Canadian Heritage, City of Regina, SK Arts, Tourism Saskatchewan, and TD Bank Group for their unwavering support.”
“This news is difficult, however we are filled with gratitude for everyone involved with the festival,” the statement continues. “For 55 years, the Regina Folk Festival has been more than just a celebration of live music; it’s been a highly anticipated weekend of community building where lasting memories were made. We are heartbroken that it is time to say goodbye. We look forward to discovering all the beautiful events that will sprout in its absence.”
“We encourage everyone to support the arts however they can,” the Regina Folk Festival’s statement concludes.
Content shared from www.digitalmusicnews.com.