“Rally of Support Saves Vancouver Folk Music Festival Society from Disbandment”

Society leaders behind the struggling Vancouver Folk Festival have stalled their plan to vote on whether to disband the society.

A statement Monday by the Vancouver Folk Music Festival Society said the board voted to withdraw its motion to disband the society, which was filed last month as the festival faced mounting financial difficulties.

The society’s president said the board has made an about-face after hearing from the public, partners and other festivals.

“The Vancouver Folk Music Festival has long been in a financially dire state and is currently in a poor state. Our primary goal as a board has always been to see a strong, sustainable festival,” said Board Chairman Mark Zuberbuhler.

“Because of the strong support that has come from the community and our partners, we now see an opportunity to build this festival.”

The statement didn’t say if the society has sound financial plans, but said it would launch a fundraiser and volunteer campaign due to public support.

In January, organizers said the festival would not return to the city this summer because production costs have risen and the events landscape has changed after years of the pandemic shutdown.

At the time, the company said it would cost an additional $500,000 to host a festival this year — which, given current cash flow, “wouldn’t be realistic or sustainable, unfortunately.”

The society – a non-profit, charitable organization – hosts concerts and events throughout the year in addition to the flagship festival, which is run by volunteers. The three-day event has been a fixture on the city’s arts and culture scene for almost 45 years.

The festival, which has been a fixture on the city’s arts and culture scene for almost 45 years, took place last July. (Vancouver Folk Music Festival/Facebook)

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