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Hillside Festival Sells Out After 14 Years
16 Jul
Summary
- Hillside Festival in Guelph, Ontario, sold out for the first time in 14 years.
- A Quebec math rock duo, Angine de Poitrine, significantly boosted ticket sales.
- The festival faced attendance dips due to competition and pandemic impacts.
For the first time in 14 years, Guelph's Hillside Festival has achieved a sold-out status. This annual three-day music event, held at the Guelph Lake Conservation Area, has not reached full capacity since 2012.
The festival's artistic director, Sam Baijal, highlighted the booking of the Quebec math rock duo Angine de Poitrine, whose online popularity has surged. The band, now closing the festival's main stage, was booked before their widespread recognition.
This sell-out marks a significant turnaround for Hillside, which previously experienced a dip in attendance due to competition from other southern Ontario summer festivals. The COVID-19 pandemic further impacted music festivals nationwide, with neighboring Riverfest Elora recently ceasing operations due to escalating costs, particularly insurance.
Baijal expressed confidence in the festival's lineup, noting that while many attendees are drawn by Angine de Poitrine, they are purchasing weekend passes, indicating a broader interest in the entire event. This strong demand and sell-out status are a significant positive indicator for the festival's future.
