Thousands to descend on Regina Folk Festival

Dozens of bands and thousands of people will be in Victoria Park for three days beginning Friday as the 2015 Regina Folk Festival kicks off.

Between 30,000 and 40,000 are expected to show up, according to the festival’s Sandra Butel.

“We have more headliners than I think we’ve ever had before,” she explained.

As well, Butel believes they have more Saskatchewan artists than they’ve had in past years. The Sheepdogs take the main stage Friday night at 10:45 p.m. Other acts throughout the weekend include Vance Joy, Blue Rodeo, Bahamas, Jenny Lewis and The Blind Boys of Alabama.

The diversity of performers is also a high note for her.

“We really like to mix it up and to give people some variety and expose people to new music but also give them some favourites to come see as well.”

Sinead O’Connor had been scheduled to play at the event, but had to cancel just a few weeks ago. Butel said she hasn’t heard any negativity surrounding that announcement.

She explained how it’s more about the festival as a whole than any one artist.

Besides having music on four stages, the festival also features an arts market, children’s area, food court and beer garden. The folk festival is successful, Butel believes, because of the people.

“The biggest thing is really the buy in by the community. People really believe in this festival and are really committed to it.”

Information on bands and tickets can be found on the Regina Folk Festival’s website.

KMartel@rawlco.com
Follow on Twitter: @KevinMartel