Northern Lights Festival Boreal has Bell Park alive with the sound of music
It is a big weekend in Sudbury as the Northern Lights Festival Boreal celebrates it's 50th anniversary.
It's also the return of live music, in person cultural events and activities for people of all ages after a two year hiatus of the festival because of the pandemic.
The festival started out small in 1970 but has grown to Canada's longest continually running outdoor music festival.
"That was sort of the beginning of the Franco Ontarian renaissance that Sudbury was so instrumental in and there was a rich multicultural scene as well," said Scott Merrifield, a co-founder of Northern Lights Festival Boreal.
"And also some wonderful Indigenous things happing and this was a way to bring it all together."
Since then it has been five decades of music, entertainment and art.
"We built this city alive with culture, with music with the arts. We give something back to the city to show the tourists it's alive," said Bernie Melanson, another co-founder of Northern Lights Festival Boreal.
Those involved said the city has supported the festival since day one.
"It's not just music, it's poetry, it's all types of art and performances and here. And that's what makes it's special it's something for everyone," said
Mayor Brian Bigger, of the City of Greater Sudbury.
Musicians welcome the opportunity to perform live again and call the festival a jewel.
"Without denigrating at all Sudbury was Sudbury Saturday night you know. And now you look at the roster here that people are coming see, it's all over the world," said Ian Tamblyn, a singer/songwriter performing at the festival.
Sudbury resident Tony Anselmo, a music lover and supporter, has been attending the festival for over 40 years.
"The introduction to new music has always been my heartfelt joy," said Anselmo.
The festival also includes family entertainment, activities and workshops. There are also a number of vendors on site featuring unique items and food.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
New analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals possible cause of mysterious ailments, scientists say
High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.