Country Wild moves indoors for 2019
By Cecilia Nasmith
A new partnership with the Town of Cobourg means a new location for the annual Country Wild Music Festival July 19 and 20 – at the Cobourg Community Centre.
The festival was founded in 2017 by Andrew Hall and Matt Williams, who hoped to raise the bar on small-town events with performances by country artists from across the US and Canada in Victoria Park.
With its growing popularity and the unavoidable risk of inclement weather, event organizers have worked with the town to effect the change of venue. The Bowl Arena can host upwards of 750 people on its floors, so – with tickets already more than 50% sold out – organizers declared it a perfect fit.
Director of operations Hall said the town has always been helpful with the event, but the move expands its role.
“Now the staff at the Cobourg Community Centre will partner with us to make Country Wild the best it can be this year, and in years to come, by adding logistical and promotional support that we haven't had before,” Hall said in the town's press release.
The festival begins July 19 with the traditional VIP Country Wild Kick-off Party, this year held in the CCC's Grand Hall. The following day, an amazing line-up of performers will play in The Bowl from 2 to 11 p.m. The canteen will be open both days with a tailored southern-style menu sure to please all appetites.
Festival entertainment director and chief executive officer Williams said the move allows them to produce a major concert event at an extremely low price point.
“The staff have really stepped up, and made us feel welcome and confident we will have an amazing event,” Williams said.
“In addition to the benefit of not dealing with the weather, we are looking forward to adding even more production value and unannounced artist surprises throughout the day.”
Among the headliners on the line-up are three of the top songwriters and emerging acts in country music for their first Canadian shows. The press release said they have played to crowds of as many as 20,000 with such stars as Luke Combs, Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan and Lynyrd Skynyrd. A full artist line-up can be viewed at www.countrywild.ca.
Councillor Adam Bureau, Co-ordinator of Arts, Culture and Tourism, said he considers the CCC an ideal indoor location for this festival.
“We look forward to welcoming not only the artists, but any concert goers who have a genuine love of country music and this fantastic festival,” Bureau stated.
All current tickets sales remain valid despite the change of venue. Those ticket holders who have reserved space at the Victoria Park Campground are invited to take advantage of a complimentary shuttle bus that will run between the campground and the CCC (750 D'Arcy St.).
While a limited number of tickets may be available at the door, event organizers anticipate a sold-out festival and urge country-music lovers to buy tickets in advance.
