The Lambton County Music Festival will mark 95 years as it showcases a wide range of musical talents.
As Canada's longest-running independent competitive music festival, the event has adapted over the decades to include different styles or genres of music.
Festival President Melody Gibson said it also includes a range of participants from kindergarteners to people in their 70s.
"It's something that can serve the entire community. I think that's the most exciting thing about Lambton County Music Festival," she said.
This year's event will be held from April 20 to May 1 at various locations across the city.
Gibson said there were more entries this year.
"We have the Air Cadet band playing, so that's something new. We have choirs, we have some percussion entries, some very interesting new instruments," she said. "We have all of the junior piano, intermediate, and senior piano, which we're always thrilled for."
Each year, several participants will go on to the Ontario Music Festival provincial competition.
Gibson said in the past they've sent the intermediate and senior ages (between 12 and 22 years old), but it was opened last year to include some younger competitors.
"I'm looking forward to this year, probably sending anywhere between 10 to 12 people to provincials," she said. "It's a great way for the community to represent itself at the next stage."
A full schedule of performances can be found on the festival's website. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
Gibson said there's no admission fee, but donations are welcome.
The event will culminate with the Stars of the Festival Concert on May 12 at 7 p.m. at Great Lakes Secondary School. Admission for this specific concert is $5 for adults and there is no fee for children under 12.
