LUNENBURG, Nova Scotia – Residents and visitors to Lunenburg will enjoy folk music at its best during the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.

Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament (South Shore–St. Margaret’s), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Society.

Funding of $34,076 will help the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Society present the 23rd Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, which is taking place August 7 to 10. This event features an eclectic blend of traditional and contemporary folk music concerts, workshops, and master classes in the heart of Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

“I am proud to support this renowned festival, which features some of the best Canadian and international artists in traditional and contemporary folk music,” said Minister Verner. “This event helps improve accessibility to the arts and allows the public to discover our country’s cultural richness and diversity.”

“Our Government is proud to support Nova Scotia’s longest-running folk festival,” said Mr. Keddy. “This event attracts many visitors and allows the public to enjoy both amazing talent and the magnificent Lunenburg area.”

“The Department of Canadian Heritage, through the Arts Presentation Program, is a valued supporter of our festival and helps us bring great music to Lunenburg and the South Shore,” said Roy Landis, President of the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Society. “In addition to our regular programming and with the support from various partners, we will also present summer concerts at the Lunenburg Bandstand.”

Since 1986, the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Society has presented the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival. The society is a non-profit volunteer-based community organization that strives to celebrate the joy of traditional and contemporary folk music, dance, and oral history through an annual festival and other events throughout the year.

The Government of Canada has provided this support through the Arts Presentation Canada program of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

This program gives Canadians increased access to the diversity and richness of Canada’s culture through professional arts festivals, live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.