Vancouver locals continue to fight to keep a beloved music festival going.
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival (VFMF) announced on Jan. 17 that it won't return for 2023.
In fact, the festival may not return at all, as organizers have made the difficult decision to dissolve the Vancouver Folk Music Festival Society which is responsible for the annual event.
Many Vancouver festival-goers were dismayed at the news. Several fans started a Facebook group shortly after VFMF's announcement, titled "Save the Vancouver Folk Music Festival," to find a solution and keep the event going.
A fundraiser was created as well to help raise the required $500,000 to organize another festival.
Now, locals are getting ready to rally.
A membership vote will take place on Feb. 1 to decide the festival's future. On the same day, VFMF fans will gather outside of the members' meeting place to hold a peaceful demonstration.
"Let’s get a mini folk fest happening outside Creekside ... to capture the spirit of the event and the people who love it," write organizers on the rally event page.
Supporters are encouraged to wear festival gear, bring chairs, play instruments, and make signs to encourage members to vote to save the festival.
"This gathering is not meant to stop the [Annual General Meeting] or interrupt the proceedings," notes the event. "Just to show our support and how much the Folk Fest means to us all."
