The Benchlands Folk Festival brought live music and community spirit to Centennial Gardens this past weekend, drawing record crowds to the downtown green space. Held on August 9 and 10, 2024, the two-day event featured local musicians, food vendors, and family-friendly activities along the historic park grounds.
City Council and Recreation & Culture staff celebrated the turnout, noting the strong community support for local arts and culture. "The Benchlands Folk Festival is a wonderful example of how our city comes together to celebrate homegrown talent," said Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price. "Seeing Centennial Gardens filled with families and friends enjoying live music and local food shows how vital these events are for our neighbourhoods."
Attendees enjoyed performances across two stages, with a focus on Ontario folk, bluegrass, and acoustic traditions. Organizers also highlighted the festival's commitment to sustainability, using reusable cups and partnering with local waste management services to keep the site clean. Many visitors took advantage of the nearby Wrenford Transit routes to reach the downtown core, avoiding parking challenges.
Recreation & Culture continues to support community-led festivals through the community arts funding grants program, which helps local groups cover venue, equipment, and artist costs. The festival's success underscores the importance of these grants in keeping cultural programming accessible and vibrant across Wrenford. You can apply for these grants online to support your own events or groups.
Residents interested in joining future events or volunteering with local festivals are encouraged to check the event calendar page for upcoming dates. Those looking to book a space for their own community gathering can learn about park rental permits and venue bookings. For more information on how the City supports local cultural programming, visit the Arts & Heritage section.
The Benchlands Folk Festival will return next summer. In the meantime, the City thanks all attendees, volunteers, and local businesses that made the weekend a success.