Peterborough, Ont. —Peterborough Musicfest has been honoured with one of the country’s top acknowledgements for ethical music use, receiving the Licensed To Play Award from the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN). The award was presented during SOCAN’s 35th annual Awards Gala in Toronto, which doubled as a celebration of the organization’s 100th anniversary.
The recognition underscores the festival’s long-standing commitment to ensuring that music is licensed properly for public performance, a practice that guarantees songwriters, composers, and publishers receive fair compensation for their work. The Licensed To Play Award is reserved for Canadian businesses and organizations that demonstrate consistent leadership in legal and ethical music use.
A Celebration of Community and Legacy
For Tracey Randall, Executive Director of Peterborough Musicfest, the award represents both validation of decades of effort and a tribute to the broader community that has supported the festival.
“On behalf of everyone at Peterborough Musicfest, we are deeply honoured to accept this award,” Randall said. “To be recognized by SOCAN during its centennial year, and in the same evening as Canadian icons like Joni Mitchell, Drake, and Boi-1da, is truly special. This award is a tribute to our founder Fred Anderson’s vision, our volunteers, staff, sponsors, funders, and above all, our community. Together, we have sustained what is now Canada’s Longest Running Free Admission Music Festival, operating as a not-for-profit dedicated to bringing world-class music to our region, barrier-free.”
Founded in 1987, the festival has grown steadily over nearly four decades to become a fixture of Ontario’s cultural calendar. Each summer, more than 100,000 people gather at Del Crary Park on the shores of Little Lake to attend performances by both emerging and established artists. To date, more than 700 acts have graced its stage, making Peterborough Musicfest one of the province’s most significant not-for-profit cultural institutions.
SOCAN’s Recognition
SOCAN, Canada’s largest member-owned music rights organization, represents close to 200,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers. By honouring Peterborough Musicfest in its centennial year, SOCAN spotlighted not only the festival’s longevity but also its role in demonstrating how music licensing can sustain Canada’s creative industries.
The gala itself featured high-profile recognition for Canadian icons such as Joni Mitchell, Drake, and producer Boi-1da, underscoring the significance of the Musicfest’s award in the broader context of Canada’s music scene.
A Free and Accessible Festival
Peterborough Musicfest is unique in its model. Unlike many other music festivals that rely on ticket sales, it has maintained its free-admission policy since inception, relying instead on a mix of corporate sponsorships, government support, fundraising initiatives, and private donations. Many of those sponsors are locally owned businesses, helping to embed the event deeply in the community’s economic fabric.
Over the years, the festival has drawn headline acts ranging from Gordon Lightfoot and Serena Ryder to Metric, Our Lady Peace, Dallas Green, Blue Rodeo, and Terri Clark. Its mission, as outlined by organizers, is to “provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.”
Economic and Cultural Impact
The festival is overseen by Randall and her staff, alongside a board of directors. Its role extends beyond entertainment. By drawing large audiences each summer, Peterborough Musicfest drives tourism, supports local business, and contributes to the city’s cultural profile. The recognition by SOCAN highlights how festivals like Musicfest play a dual role in enriching both community identity and the broader Canadian music economy.
Randall emphasized that ongoing support from sponsors and funders is essential for maintaining the festival’s mandate. The organization continues to encourage individuals and businesses to contribute to its sustainability and help keep barrier-free live music accessible to all.
Looking Ahead
As SOCAN celebrates 100 years of supporting Canadian music creators, its Licensed To Play Award to Peterborough Musicfest highlights the alignment of missions: ensuring artists are fairly compensated while ensuring communities can continue to access live music.
With more than three decades of history, a dedicated not-for-profit model, and recognition from Canada’s leading music rights organization, Peterborough Musicfest is positioning itself not only as a summer staple in Ontario but also as a case study in how cultural events can thrive on accessibility, community involvement, and responsible music licensing.
More information on Peterborough Musicfest, including sponsorship opportunities, can be found at ptbomusicfest.ca.
