Miramichi Folksong Festival facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Miramichi Folksong Festival |
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|---|---|
| Genre | Roots, folk |
| Dates | August |
| Location(s) | Miramichi, New Brunswick Canada  |
| Years active | 1958 – present |
| Founded by | Louise Manny |
| Website | http://www.miramichifolksongfestival.com |
The Miramichi Folksong Festival is a special event held every year in Miramichi, New Brunswick, Canada. It is the oldest folk music festival in Canada, which means it has been happening longer than any other folk festival in the country! It's also one of the longest-running events of its kind in all of North America.
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What is the Miramichi Folksong Festival?
This festival celebrates traditional folk music and stories. It brings together people who love to sing old songs and share tales. While it attracts visitors and some well-known artists today, its main goal is to keep local culture alive.
How the Festival Started
The festival began in September 1958. It was started by a woman named Louise Manny. She was asked by Lord Beaverbrook to collect and record the traditional songs from his childhood home. Lord Beaverbrook was a very important person who grew up in the Miramichi area.
The very first festival took place at the Beaverbrook Town Hall and Theatre in Newcastle, New Brunswick. This is the same place where the festival is still held today, but now it happens every August.
Celebrating Local Talent
A big part of the festival is showcasing local performers. Many of these performers are not famous, but they are very talented. Often, older people from the community share their traditional songs and stories. This helps to pass down the culture from one generation to the next.
Preserving Old Songs
The festival has helped save many traditional songs and stories. Some of these old songs were put into a book called Songs of Miramichi in 1968. There are also several recordings, including an album from 1962. This album was produced by Louise Manny herself!
Famous Performers
Over the years, many wonderful people have performed at the festival.
Allan Kelly
Allan Kelly was a very popular singer and a strong supporter of the festival. One of his early performances was a song called The Petit Moine. You can hear his singing on the 1962 album.
Raymond and Frank Estey
Raymond and Frank Estey were brothers from Sevogle, New Brunswick. They sang at the festival every year. After their performances, the Estey brothers would entertain everyone by telling their famous ghost stories.
