Standard-Times
NEW BEDFORD The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center will reschedule the 25th Annual New Bedford Folk Festival to July 9 and 10, 2022. The decision to further delay the anticipated festival, which takes place indoors and outside on the streets of downtown New Bedford, prioritizes safety for the audience, staff, artists, and crew in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It’s devastating to postpone the New Bedford Folk Festival because there are implications beyond our organization,” stated Rosemary Gill, executive director, in a news release. “More than 150 artists and stagehands are not employed, and vendors can’t sell their wares. Pushing the festival another year impacts tourism, hotels, businesses and restaurants that would serve the more than 5,000 people who visit New Bedford for the event. But in 2022, the streets of downtown will come alive with the best folk from around the country and the Southcoast, and we will gather and sing together again.”
The Zeiterion has been closed since March of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unable to host last year’s event, the theatre hoped that 2021 would bring more excitement for a festival that attracts hundreds of people to enjoy during the weekend. This year would have been extra special, marking the festival’s 25th anniversary.
“For a quarter of a century, the fan-favorite festival has gathered world-class contemporary singer/songwriters, traditional Americana, the best in blues, classic Celtic and, of course, folk to the Southcoast - and its silver anniversary will bring back many festival favorites who have performed throughout the years! Whether you come for the fantastic music or the free festivities surrounding the festival, it’s a weekend of fun for everyone.”