On its 30th anniversary, the Halifax International Busker Festival is soaring to new heights with the help of a one-time $50,000 investment from Communities, Culture and Heritage.

“This festival always provides excellent entertainment for the public and excellent economic benefits for Halifax and the province,” said Internal Services Minister Labi Kousoulis. “We are proud to support this festival as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.”

Events and festivals create significant economic benefits, help attract visitors and create strong and vibrant communities. Investments in events like this help deliver economic, social and community benefits to Nova Scotia.

“We are very pleased to receive support from the province,” said Kim Hendrickson, festival producer. “As a free, non-gated event, it has been challenging to produce the festival for 30 years. We see the generous funding as recognition that the festival is an important tourism destination and economic contributor during the summer.”

“Kim has been working at this festival for 26 years,” said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Tony Ince. “Growing an event such as this takes persistence and a lot of hard work, and the province thanks her for her contribution in improving our event economy.”

Running until August 1 on the Halifax Waterfront, the Halifax International Busker Festival is the largest annual free public event in Halifax. The 2014 festival generated more than $3.2 million in new money and $630,000 in provincial tax revenue.

Source: Release