Folk music lovers in London are in for a treat next month.
Folk Music Ontario (FMO) has announced it will be holding a free community folk festival in downtown London October 12 through October 14. It will be held in conjunction with the FMO's annual conference which will be taking place at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel.
“Folk Music Ontario is incredibly excited to present the FMO Community Folk Fest in collaboration with an amazing group of local partners, in the heart of London’s downtown," FMO Executive Director Rosalyn Dennett said in a statement on Friday. "In the spirit of London being Canada's only recognized UNESCO City of Music, we encourage you to check out performances by folk artists from around the world, across Canada, and of course, some fantastic homegrown London talent."
The festival, presented in collaboration with the London Music Office, Tourism London, Fanshawe College, Sunfest London and The Cuckoo’s Nest Folk Club will include 12 free concerts at The Good Foundation Inc. Theatre at 137 Dundas Street. London artists performing include Oh Berlin, Anddre Mafra & The Reflections, The Pairs, and Emily Jean Flack. Australian duo Charm of Finches and German singer-songwriter Ronja Maltzahn are also slated to play on the Thursday night.
“Hosting the FMO Conference and Community Folk Fest in London with collaborative community partners elevates the event and supports the wider music ecosystem in London," said Cory Crossman, the director of London Music Office. "Taking a traditional conference and making it more accessible directly supports a number of UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals and brings fantastic live music to London’s core.”
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated London a City of Music in November 2021. London was the first Canadian city to receive the designation.
