Cityfolk getting set to open at Lansdowne Park

Cityfolk creative director Mark Monahan poses with the Cityfolk car outside the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park. The festival opens on Wednesday. (Chris Scott/CTV Ottawa, September 14, 2015)

It may have a new name and new location, but thousands of people are expected to invade Lansdowne Park for Cityfolk this weekend.

Workers are busy putting up the outdoor stage, setting up tents and installing barriers for the first outdoor music festival at Lansdowne since the new developments.

"It's gotten some great reviews," says Mark Monahan, creative director of Cityfolk. "We're hoping this will become a cultural hub."

The big acts will play on the stage on the great lawn. Organizers are hoping to have between 10- and 12,000 people each night. But the buildings on the premises are offering the festival a unique opportuntiy.

The Horticultural building will feature another stage, but you need a ticket to the festival to get into the building. The Aberdeen Pavilion will also feature music and more, all open to the public.

There's a new initiative this year called Marvest. It's short for musical harvest and features local acts playing not only at Lansdowne, but at businesses up and down Bank St.

"We have 13 unvonventional music venues," says Samantha Everts, project manager for Marvest. "They range from a bike store, an olive oil shop...restaurants like Irene's...they all offer a different and intimate experience."

Nine local bands will also launch new albums during the festival.

While there's a variety of acts, the headliners will draw the big crowds. Rock and roll Hall of Famer Van Morrison takes the stage on Friday night. Wilco will close the festival on Sunday night. Other bigger names include Walk Off The Earth, The Sheepdogs and Passenger. In addition, 60 local bands will be playing over the 5 day festival.

To combat a history of noise complaints, Monahan says every outdoor show will end at 10:00 pm.

"We're trying to put on a festival that's going to excite people who want to come to the festival, but also work with the existing neighbourhood and the city to make sure it happens in a responsible way," says Monahan.

Tickets are still available for the festival. For more information, go to www.cityfolkfestival.com.