According to our by-laws, we aim “to preserve folk traditions in New England and elsewhere, to encourage the continuance and further development of a living folk culture, and to promote and encourage high standards of quality and performance in the folk arts”. How do we do this? By running a Festival every April!
Planning for the eighty-second annual New England Folk Festival is well under way, with 12 parallel stages of lively music, zesty dancing, participatory singing, and sore feet! The location is again at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and hotel rooms are open for general reservations (see below). If you haven’t marked your calendars, the dates are April 24-26.
A thousand thanks to the board members and committee folks who volunteer throughout the year to bring this event together. Thanks to the volunteers who return each year. Thanks to photographers Alan Duffy, Sue Flint, Bill Quern, and Dana Sussman for allowing us to use their photos for our website, program book and publicity materials. Thanks to the program committee for assembling the performer applications into an exciting program. Thank you for returning year after year to unite with old and new friends.
Our simple aim for the upcoming Festival is to create a weekend filled with fun and joy. Together we will again create a magical place and time where we celebrate the many cultures in New England!
P.S. NEFFA runs on volunteers. You can help make NEFFA happen, meet wonderful new friends, and earn free admission all at the same time! Sign up now at https://volunteer.neffa.org/ to be notified when volunteer registration opens for the best chance of getting the time slots and jobs you prefer.
— Jonathan Young, NEFFA President