Organizers announce changes for folk fest

Ottawa Folk Fest is changing its tune with a new name and location.

Event organizers announced this morning that the festival will be rebranded to CityFolk and moved to Lansdowne Park. 

“The event has evolved in several ways since 2011,” said executive and artistic director Mark Monahan in a media statement. “With the move to Lansdowne we felt that the timing was perfect for a fresh approach to branding the festival; one that reflects its music evolution.”

Monahan described the new name as a way to make the festival more inclusive and attractive to music lovers.

“Since we’re moving to the heart of the city, and we want all music fans in Ottawa to feel a kinship with the festival, we felt CityFolk would resonate with them,” said Monahan.

The decision to move to Lansdowne Park was influenced by its accessibility and new facilities, said Monahan.

This is the third time the festival has changed its location. It was held in Britannia Park for 15 years before moving to Hog’s Back Park, where it made its home for the last four years.  

Last year’s event featured performances by dozens of artists including Lorde, Blue Rodeo and Foster the People.

CityFolk will run from Sept. 17-20, 2015.