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News Release - Manitoba

July 22, 2015

Province Joins in Celebrating 31 Years of the Brandon Folk Festival

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Arts Calendar Fixture Resumes July 23 to 25 in Westman: Minister Lemieux

The Manitoba government and the Brandon Folk Music and Art Society (BFMAS) are inviting music lovers to western Manitoba this weekend for the 31st Annual Brandon Folk Festival, Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux said today. 

“What started as a small and intimate alternative to much larger events, has grown into a fixture on Manitoba’s summer festival scene,” said Minister Lemieux.  “I am thrilled to see the Brandon Folk Festival become a destination for Manitobans and visitors to our province.”

Since 2011, the province has invested annually in the Brandon Folk Festival. .  From its humble beginnings in 1985, the festival now attracts local, national and international artists, the minister noted.  The BFMAS has grown into other areas of year-round programming  including events in dance, music, theatre, spoken word and visual arts.

This year’s festival is expected to attract up to 4,000 visitors and an additional 7,000 are expected to take advantage of the BFMAS’ year-round programming, the minister noted.

"We are proud to support this and other great summertime traditions,” said Minister Lemieux.  “The Brandon Folk Festival and other wonderful events across the province give all Manitobans even more evidence that this is where Canada’s heart beats.”

This year’s edition of the Brandon Folk Festival takes place July 23 to 25 at the Keystone Centre Grounds.  More information on the festival and other cultural excursions in Manitoba can be found at www.travelmanitoba.com/things-to-do.

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