Citing rising costs and lack of amenable venue, Victoria’s popular long-running music festival Rifflandia is officially over.
“After 18 years, countless memories, and a whole lot of heart, we’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to bring Rifflandia Festival to a close. We held onto hope that we might be able to celebrate one final September together, but ultimately the realities of producing the festival we love made that impossible,” reads the official announcement.
“For nearly two decades, Rifflandia has been a labour of love. Despite the joy it brought and the millions of dollars it helped circulate through our local economy, the festival was never profitable.”
Up until a week ago, organizers hoped to host the festival one last time.
However, after 15 festivals, rising costs, and the loss of access to a venue that could support the event, the reality is the model doesn’t work, they said. Every year ticket prices covered only a portion of the true cost of producing an experience the team “believed Victoria deserved.”
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“We are incredibly proud of what the festival became and deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it possible,” president and CEO Nick Blasko said. “Artists, fans, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, partners, crew members, and incredibly dedicated staff have all played a role in building something truly special over nearly two decades.”
Like many independent festivals across North America, Rifflandia Festival has faced increasing challenges in a rapidly changing live entertainment landscape. Rising production costs, shifting consumer behaviour, and the realities of operating in a smaller market have made it increasingly difficult to sustain the festival at the scale and quality audiences have come to expect.
Online comments took off within minutes of the Wednesday (June 10) morning announcement. Many lamenting the loss and sharing their memories.
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“Sad to see it go. Thrilled to have attended. Some performances that have had a big impact on my life: Seeing Action Bronson at Phillips; Gord Downie at Market Square; Treelines (can’t remember the spot); Tegan and Sara at Market Square.”
People also took the space to thank the organization for being an integral part of their youth, calling the loss a huge blow to live music and an amazing culture event in the city.
“One of Rifflandia Festival’s greatest legacies has been inspiring creativity and community. As this chapter comes to a close, we look forward to seeing a new generation of creators, promoters, artists, and community builders who will shape the next chapter of live music and culture in Victoria.” Blasko says.
While the festival itself is ending, Rifflandia’s entertainment company continues to grow, with a diverse portfolio of projects underway both internationally and at home.
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Do you have a story tip? Email: christine.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca.