About Us
Home County Folk League, a non-profit organization, was formed in 1973 to produce the Home County Folk Festival. For the past 36 years, the festival has grown to be Londons largest FREE admission folk music and arts festival. Showcasing local, regional, national talent the event in July attracts up to 150,000 patrons from London, region, Ontario and the United States. The combination of folk musicians, dancers and artistic talent with 6 stages for performances and over 150 juried craft artisans and food vendors, people of all ages come together in one large celebratory family event. There is also a Small Folk Fun Area so bring your children and be prepared to laugh, dance, sing and smile. Over the course of the year and during the festival, Home County Folk Festival also hosts ticketed folk music concerts to showcase upcoming artists and to foster the growth of Canadian talent.
Awards
2007 Londons Featured Community Organization
In 2007, The City of London honoured Home County Folk Festival with this prestigious award for valuable contributions to the community.
2008 Recycling Council of Ontario Gold Award
The environment is a top priority for the Home County Folk Festival. In 2008, a new Greening initiative was introduced between the City of London, Waste Free World and other festivals to reduce the environmental impact festivals produce in waste. Successfully, Home County diverted 70% of the waste from going to landfill. These achievements resulted in the RCO Gold Award being awarded to the greening committee.
2009 Pillar Award for Environmental impact & London Green Festivals Gold Award at the Municipal Waste Association’s Annual Promotion & Educations Awards for Best Grassroots Campaign 2009.
Funding
Funds to operate Home County Folk Festival are raised through the vendors fees paid by craft artists and food vendors, grants from the local, provincial and federal governments, goods sold by Home County (t-shirts, programs, ice cream), donations by the audience and corporate sponsorship as well as concerts held throughout the year. Our budget is developed annually and every effort is made to pay all expenses in the year they are incurred and to have funds to prepare for the next festival year as well as to cover the ongoing costs (insurance, office expenses, etc).
Vision
Home County Folk League creates opportunities for the citizens of London and region to celebrate artist created music and art in the folk based tradition. Home County nurtures and encourages local and area artists as they showcase their talents to the community.
Mission Statement
Home County Folk League, a volunteer, non-profit organization has a free summer festival in Victoria Park (London) as its primary focus.