The 34th annual Salmon Arm ROOTSandBLUES Festival attracted tens of thousands of visitors and residents for music from around the world.
Organizers said nearly 29,500 people took part in the annual event, including the free TunedUp Series, WOW and kick-off concerts held downtown throughout the week leading up to the festival, which ran from July 24 to 26.
“For two and a half days, tens of thousands of people gather on 16 acres of land and celebrate together over incredible music,” Kevin Tobin, artistic director said. “That’s the spirit of the festival that we’re always trying to capture.”
In a statement, the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society (SAFMS) said one of the festival’s goals this year was to welcome even more young people and also highlight the talents of young and local musicians.
Hosting Of Monsters and Men, who headlined Friday evening’s main stage, attracted scores of teens and younger adults.
Throughout the festival, nearly 49 per cent of ticket-buyers were new audience members.
“We really saw how new attendees and long-time festival fans come together and bring a real energy to the site,” Tobin added.
The SAFMS said the weekend was not without challenges, as heavy winds Friday night closed the very last CBC Blues Stage and Barn Stage shows, while lightning warnings Saturday caused the festival to hold stages for the first time in years.
“Our entire team was mobilized and ready to act for the safety of our audiences, and that really speaks to their skill and pre-planning,” Tobin said.. “I’m incredibly proud of everyone for all that it takes to put on the best festival we can, from our volunteers, suppliers and sponsors to our production team, security and infrastructure and all of our staff.”
Tobin said that during a meeting with the safety team Saturday, one of its leaders expressed gratitude for the opportunity to do the work at the festival.
“I think we’re all just grateful to be a part of this.”
The Salmon Arm Folk Music Society, which hosts the festival, is already looking ahead to the 35th annual event. The festival is scheduled for July 23 to 25, 2027.
