The Peterborough Folk Festival has programming for youth of all ages, including a Youth Songwriters' Showcase (14-21), the Emerging Artist Award, Local-Vocal-Live (our twice-annual young songwriters' workshop and performance, 14-21), and a Children's Village (0-early teen) at the festival.

Read on for more details about our Youth programs!

The Emerging Artist Award

The PFF believes in investing in young performers, and in 2001 created an award to recognize emerging local talent that we think deserves the attention and support of the community. Judging by the careers of the past recipients, the Emerging Artist Award is a step on the road to a life-long career in music.

Winners of the Emerging Artist Award:

2001 - Serena Ryder
2002 - James McKenty (The Spades)
2003 - Jill Staveley (The Staveley Project)
2004 - Beau Dixon (Slips and the High-Fives, Dub Trinity)
2005 - Benj Rowland (The County Boys)
2006 - Drea Nasager
2007 - Dave Simard and Kelly McMichaels
2008 - Sean Conway

Recipients of this award are given showcase spots on the festival weekend, a guaranteed spot on the festival main stage the following year, a Sonicbids account, and a trip to the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals' annual conference in October.

The award is granted to an artist by the Artistic Director based on asessment of skill, dedication, and artistic merit. Nominate an artist by filling out the form linked at the bottom of this page with your suggestion; please include some background on the artist and contact information.

Youth at the Festival

We welcome children of all ages to the festival, but have some very special programming available for the pre-teen set in our Children's Village on Saturday, August 23 2008.

Activities include face painting, workshops, a noise parade, the famous Solar Death Ray, and much more!

The Children's Village is for kids and parents. Parents must supervise children in this area at all times. Don't forget to drink lots of water, and wear hats and sunscreen!

The Children’s Village is open 12 noon - 5 pm.