Health & Safety

We all look forward to these four days in July, so of course it’s important to stay safe and look out for each other. We want your Folk Fest experience to be as wonderful as you’ve been imagining all year!

Fire Extinguishers Proudly Donated by

Safer Spaces Policy

We believe EVERYONE has the right to experience the Winnipeg Folk Festival (WFF) as a safe place where they are welcome and respected.

As an organization, we encourage creativity, freedom of expression and attire, and respectful discussion, but not at the harm of others - regardless of attendees’ intentions.

We believe that every individual, no matter their gender, ability, age, ethnicity and sexuality should feel safe and comfortable in our environment and free from any negativity or harm due to others’ display of symbols, actions or words. Any form of discrimination, harassment, sexual violence and/or assault, disorderly conduct or any behaviour verbal or physical that demeans or marginalizes another will not be tolerated.

It is also important to remember that the WFF and its campgrounds are subject to provincial and federal laws. Please respect the valuable work that law enforcement officers and our own Safety and Security Folk volunteers in blue vests do to keep everyone in our Folk Fest community safe.

When you join us at the WFF, our Festival Campground and/or Quiet Campground, you agree to the safer spaces policy. Let’s support each other and ensure our community continues to be one of inclusiveness and respect!

MORE INFO ON SAFER SPACES

Safety

What safety measures do you have in place?

Safety & Security Volunteers (blue vests)

Safety and security volunteers are identified by blue vests and are available to help you stay safe while having a good time. If you need assistance or are with someone who needs assistance, flag down a safety volunteer (in blue vests) and they will help you.

Law Enforcement

Folk Fest is a wonderfully expressive, inclusive, and interactive environment that can sometimes feel like an escape from the real world, but the Festival Site, Campgrounds and all other areas of the Winnipeg Folk Festival are subject to provincial and federal laws. The Winnipeg Folk Festival does not promote or condone the use of illegal drugs, excessive drinking or underage drinking. The Winnipeg Folk Festival works with law enforcement officers to patrol the Festival and all campgrounds.

It is not our mission to police your lifestyle or inhibit self-expression. Law enforcement officers at the Festival are simply fulfilling the same function as the police in any community – helping to ensure safe homes and safe communities! Please respect the valuable work that they do to keep everyone in our Festival community safe.

What's your emergency plan?

We have a plan for dealing with emergencies, including nasty weather. If a situation occurs, please listen to the instructions from our incredible team of safety volunteers (in blue vests) and listen to the announcements from our stages.

Download the Festival APP to receive up-to-date and accurate weather and Festival notifications.

You can also follow us on Twitter (@winnipegfolk), Facebook (facebook.com/winnipegfolk) and Instagram (winnipegfolkfestival) for up-to-date and accurate information.

What do I do if I've injured myself?

The Festival has two First Aid & Wellness tents - one on the Festival site located by Bur Oak stage and another in the Festival Campground. If you find yourself in a situation where you can’t get to the First Aid tent, flag down a safety volunteer (in a blue vest). They will help get the assistance you need.

To help avoid certain injuries come prepared for Mother Nature’s many gifts including sun-filled days and cooler evenings. Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, rain gear, a flashlight and something to sit on and stay out of the bush to avoid poison ivy.

What if my child has wandered off?

It’s a big Festival with much fun, excitement – and sometimes distraction. If you and your child get separated, a safety volunteer (in a blue vest) will help you. If you find a lost child, please escort them to a safety volunteer.

Children will receive a paper wristband when they get to the Festival. Sharpies will be available at the two Audience Services tents, located by the Main Gate Box Office and in the Festival Village, will write your phone number on their wristband.

We encourage everyone to stop by the Festival Tower each day and take a picture of their group. That way you’ll have a visual record of exactly what they look like that day. We have a great system in place that ensures a speedy reconnection of families, but one of the things that always seems to throw people is when we ask, “what are they wearing?” Memory is often the first thing to go when we’re nervous and not thinking clearly.