11-03-2025
Regina Folk Festival 2025 cancelled, organization to dissolve
The Regina Folk Festival has announced that it is 'no longer possible' to continue with the long-standing summer music event 'due to financial constraints and reduced operational capacity.'
'The time has come to say goodbye to the Regina Folk Festival,' it said in a statement posted to its website Tuesday, adding that the board of directors will work to dissolve the organization.
Last year, the organization launched an unofficial 'save the festival' campaign while also running a 'fallow year' of programming instead of the full festival and promising a fresh start in 2025. The live-music event had been hampered for two years by the COVID-19 pandemic, returning in 2022.
Back in November, organizers were 'optimistic' to announce that the 53rd iteration of the festival would be return. But in the RFF's statement, it said that by the end of January, 'it became clear that financial challenges and capacity limitations could not be overcome.'
Artistic director Amber Goodwyn will also step away from the board after two years in the role, according to the statement. The organization thanked her for 'exceptional leadership through pivotal moments of transition.'
Goodwyn became artistic director following the departure of executive director Josh Haugerud in 2023.
The end of the festival was attributed to 'financial pressures from the pandemic, including stagnant or reduced funding, rising costs, and declining ticket sales,' said the statement.
'This news is difficult, however we are filled with gratitude for everyone involved with the festival. We are grateful for the dedication, love, and expertise of our volunteers.'
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