The following is a statement released by the Sound of Music Festival:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

After 45 years of music, memories, and community-building, the Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival is facing a crisis. As Canada’s largest free outdoor music festival, we have brought together more than 400,000 visitors annually, offered a stage to 50+ Canadian artists each year, and contributed an estimated $25 million in economic impact to Burlington and the surrounding area. Now, with sharp declines in public arts funding and sponsorship, our future is now uncertain.

What was once a thriving example of free and accessible live music is now grappling with the hard truth: We can no longer sustain this festival without urgent financial support!

Funding Cuts Are Undermining a Legacy

The federal Heritage Fund, which traditionally supported with $200,000 annually, now only offers grants up to $50,000. The Experience Ontario Fund has been similarly reduced by half. These losses, compounded by shrinking sponsorship dollars, have created a critical gap that threatens the very heart of the festival.

“We’ve done everything possible to run lean without sacrificing safety or the quality of the experience,” says the Festival’s Board of Directors Chair, Dave Shepherd. “We’ve trimmed costs – over $500k has been removed in the last 2 years, streamlined operations, and maximized efficiencies. But we are now at the edge—without new partners stepping in, we don’t know if we can keep going.” Shepherd goes on to add that “the festival is run and managed professionally, but the real magic happens with our dedicated volunteers who clock an impressive 6000 hours, over the festival weekend.  We provide a great opportunity for summer youth employment each year as well, for some of the students in our community.“

A Proven Economic Engine and Cultural Beacon

A recent survey conducted with Tourism Burlington underscores what we’ve long known:

• 90% of out-of-town visitors plan to return to Burlington after attending.

• 42% of attendees come from outside the city, with many staying 4+ nights, boosting revenue for hotels, restaurants, and retailers.

• Municipal Accommodation Tax provides economic advantages to help keep Tourism Burlington at the forefront of the industry

• Over 40 local businesses were showcased in our 2024 community partner program.

• Our top ten suppliers, all Southern Ontario-based, receive over $500,000 in annual contractsfrom the festival.

This is more than a festival. It’s an economic and cultural anchor that helps define Burlington’s identity, attracts tourism, and promotes small business success across the city and region.

A Call to Action for Community Champions – The time to act is now!

We’re calling on community leaders, philanthropists, corporate partners, and anyone who believes in the power of music and arts to help. We urgently need a major sponsor or group of sponsors to join us in protecting this treasured event and ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the joy, connection, and inclusivity that live music offers.

Why It Matters

In a time where connection and community are more important than ever, free and open-access cultural experiences matter. The Sound of Music Festival is a safe space, a mental health booster, and a platform that breaks down barriers. It is one of the last of its kind—a rare event that remains completely free to attend, offering world-class performances to everyone, regardless of income or background.  There is no barrier to entry!

This is more than a funding shortfall—it’s a community crossroads. Without immediate support, we risk losing a 45-year tradition that unites thousands in celebration every summer.

Let’s Keep the Music Playing

If you are a business leader, a brand that values impact, or a citizen who wants to make a difference, we urge you to reach out. Sponsorship opportunities, legacy partnerships, and creative collaborations are all on the table.

Together, we can and must keep the music alive!

For more information or to schedule a conversation about sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

Brent Kinnaird – VP Festival Operations
Dave Shepherd – Chairperson, Board of Directors
Julie Cole – Vice Chairperson, Board of Directors

dave@soundofmusic.ca

bkinnaird@soundofmusic.ca