Five London festivals will receive more than $100,000 as part of the Ontario government’s drive to enhance London festivals and events in order to attract more visitors to the City and boost local economy.

Home Country Folk Festival, Bluesfest, Indiafest, Festa Italiana and Expressions in Chalk will receive $146,625 from Celebrate Ontario, a multi-million dollar fund created by the province in 2008.

“These celebrations are valuable economic contributors to our community. Our government is pleased to help it grow and expand so that our community can increase its competitive advantage in the tourism market and strengthen its economy,” said Khalil Ramal, MPP (London-Fanshawe) who was recently appointed as Parliamentary Assistant (PA) to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

“We’re thrilled and excited about this funding that will allow Bluesfest to attract a larger audience. We are working to draw visitors from a wider region and boost London’s economy while providing world-class entertainment,” Chris Gould, Director of Bluesfest.

Celebrate Ontario 2009 will provide $11 million to 224 festivals and events across Ontario – an increase of 150 per cent over last year.

Since 2007, Ontario has invested a total of $25 million for festivals and events through the program.