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History
The music festival is in its 49th year of existence. For many years it was a major project of the Kiwanis Club of London. As it continued to grow and develop over the years it required more volunteers to assist in running it and more financial resources than were available by one Kiwanis club. Before long it became a project of all the Kiwanis Clubs in London and then in 1996 the festival was re-organized as an incorporated separate Kiwanis charity sponsored by all the London and area Kiwanis Clubs and other interested citizens. The Festival has a Board composed of twelve Kiwanians and a secretary/ administrator who are charged with all the festival’s preparation and financing.
Goals
. We are dedicated to making the festival a positive educational experience.
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Continue to develop a stable financial base so as to ensure long term stability
. Develop an endowment fund to provide stable funding that enables us to provide increased financial awards back to the participants
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Broaden the base of our volunteer involvement
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Increase public awareness of the festival
Costs
The festival costs approximately $130,000 to produce each year. We are fortunate to receive a $ 5,000 grant from the City of London, however the balance of the costs are raised by the festival board. The entry fees from participants cover 43% of the costs and the remainder comes from generous donations from Kiwanians and interested London citizens, admission fees, advertising and program sales. Without this help we would not be able to produce this important cultural event each year here in the Forest City.
Volunteers
It requires the efforts of approximately 400 volunteers to organize and supervise the hall locations throughout the three weeks of festival activities. When you are at the festival please take the time to thank the volunteers who give graciously of their time to ensure the each event runs smoothly.
Performers
Over the three weeks we will have approximately 10,000 performers that have spent many hours preparing so they can perform to the best of their ability. You will hear many memorable performances. We want this to be a positive learning experience that participants will fondly remember for many years to come. It is the professional adjudicators who work long and hard who have the responsibility of making it an experience that the participants and audience can learn from.
Welcome to the festival and enjoy the music!
Jim Scott
Festival Chair
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