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!

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COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 FAQ
Safer Spaces
Safety

COVID-19 Vaccination Update

The Winnipeg Folk Festival will no longer require proof of vaccination for audience members to attend the 2022 Festival.

This decision was made after carefully considering feedback from our community, the size of the outdoor space, changes in public health orders and to be consistent with industry standards at live events in the province and across the country.

Vaccination requirements will remain in place for anyone working at the Festival, including artists, staff, board members, volunteers, media, backstage guests and vendors. Performers have a busy summer of touring ahead and we need to give them the best opportunity to be able to perform at our Festival and on the rest of their tours. We also want to look after our team and ensure the sustainability of the Festival.

This was a very difficult decision and we hope our fellow folkies can take this journey with us as we navigate the changes in government mandates and make the return home for the first time since 2019. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please refer to our FAQ’s.

COVID-19 FAQ

We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding through this pandemic. We made the best decisions we could with the information we had and will continue to do so. Thank you for taking this journey with us.

Is this a fully vaccinated event?

Although vaccination will not be required to attend the Festival, as an organization, the Winnipeg Folk Festival encourages all our patrons to get fully vaccinated and boosted to protect themselves and the other folkies set to gather at Birds Hill Park on July 7-10. We know that many of you have already chosen to be fully vaccinated and as of May 11, 80.13% of Manitobans are fully vaccinated. As an arts organization devoted to supporting musicians and presenting live music we were heavily impacted by the pandemic and we appreciate your continued help and support.

Is an outdoor event safe?

What if I am immunocompromised?

We have implemented many precautions at the Festival to present a safer event. For more information please see How are you keeping the audience safe? We advise you to assess your own risk before attending, please see Government of Manitoba recommendations and guidelines (https://manitoba.ca/covid19/prevention-assessing-risk.html). If you cannot attend a non-mandated vaccinated event due to health reasons, please contact us for your options by May 31, 2022.

Email: info@winnipegfolkfestival.ca

Why do volunteers still need to be fully vaccinated?

Vaccination requirements will remain in place for anyone accessing the backstage area as the backstage area is a busy place where volunteers and artists can be in close contact. This is part of the workplace health and safety protocols of the Festival and is consistent with other live events and festivals across the country.

As this decision has now been made, we ask that you please treat our staff and volunteers with respect whether you agree or disagree with the decision. This will not last forever!

How are you keeping the audience safe?

We continue to work hard to make sure we do what we can to present a safer event. This includes:

Staff, board members, volunteers, vendors, media and artists will be fully vaccinated. Everyone working to make the Festival happen will be fully vaccinated from the person checking wristbands, serving you food to playing music on stage.
Given the size of the site, audience members can separate from the crowds. The trees are a great place to get shade and physically distance yourself.
The Festival will have cashless options for any financial transactions.
Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the site.
The Festival is Clean it Right Certified. High touch surfaces will be regularly cleaned such as toilets and payment terminals.
Masks can be worn and those who choose to wear them will be respected.

What happens if the Government of Manitoba reinstates public health orders?

What if I purchased a ticket and I don’t want to go to the Festival anymore?

The vaccination policy has always indicated it was subject to change and tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

How are you keeping volunteers safe?

We continue to work hard to create a safer working environment for volunteers. This includes:

The backstage area will be a fully vaccinated area. Staff, board members, volunteers, vendors, media, guests and artists will be fully vaccinated.
Masks will be required when on the performer/volunteer shuttle and additional protocols for certain areas may be determined closer to the Festival.
Hand sanitizer stations will be available in crew areas.

If I have access to the backstage area, do I need to be fully vaccinated?

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 campers 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 Campground 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.

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.

Follow us on Twitter (@winnipegfolk), Facebook (facebook.com/winnipegfolk) and Instagram (winnipegfolkfestival) for up-to-date and accurate weather and Festival information.

What do I do if I've injured myself?

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.

Do you have a Safer Spaces Policy?