Celebrating the Kamloops Festival of the Performing Arts
For over nine decades, the Kamloops Festival of the Performing Arts (KFPA) has played a pivotal role in nurturing the talents of young performers from Kamloops and beyond.
As one of the longest-running arts festivals in Western Canada, the KFPA has evolved from a small musical gathering to a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary event that showcases the full spectrum of the performing arts, contributing to the cultural fabric of Kamloops.
To learn more about this festival which Kamloops is so incredibly proud of, I sat down with the President of KFPA Carol Edwards, and Past President Annette Glover.
The origins of the Kamloops Festival trace back to 1930 when a group of local enthusiasts first envisioned a musical festival for the region. Through a series of fundraisers, including recitals by music teachers, the first Kamloops Musical Festival took place in May 1931, attracting 70 entries in vocal, piano, and choral categories. In 1932, the festival officially became a society called “Yale Cariboo Music Festival.” Over the years, the festival expanded to include dance, drama, and a variety of other artistic disciplines.
During World War II, the festival took a brief hiatus but was revived in 1947 thanks to the efforts of the Local Council of Women. Since then, the KFPA has grown steadily, becoming an integral part of Kamloops’ cultural scene. The festival officially adopted its current name in 1982, and by 1993 it had expanded to require four performance venues to accommodate the growing number of participants.
Today, the KFPA spans three weeks, with entries in some years reaching as high as 1,800, and attracts performers from across the Thompson-Okanagan, Cariboo, and even as far north as Prince George.
One of the most significant contributions of the KFPA is its role in supporting young talent. The festival serves as a launchpad for the careers of many local artists, offering them opportunities to perform in front of expert adjudicators, connect with mentors, and compete for prestigious awards and scholarships. KFPA participants are often invited to perform at other community events, including concerts with the Kamloops Symphony and the Chamber Musicians of Kamloops, creating valuable performance experiences that extend beyond the festival itself.
Additionally, the KFPA has a dedicated scholarship fund that rewards excellence in various disciplines. This includes performance opportunities with prominent local organizations, which further help talented individuals advance in their artistic journeys. The festival also offers a Leadership Award to recognize students who demonstrate significant involvement in both the festival and the broader Kamloops community.
What sets the KFPA apart from other festivals is its inclusive and educational approach. The festival accommodates performers of all ages, from as young as five years old to senior citizens. This wide age range creates a unique environment where seasoned performers can mentor younger participants, fostering a sense of community and shared learning. The festival also offers participants the option to perform either competitively, with marks and placement, or non-competitively, focusing on personal growth and artistic development.
This inclusive model allows the festival to attract a diverse range of participants and audiences. Whether a child taking their first steps on stage or a seasoned performer fine-tuning their craft, the KFPA provides a space for everyone to grow and thrive.
In recent years, the KFPA has demonstrated remarkable resilience, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021 and 2022, the festival shifted to a virtual format, maintaining its educational mission despite the challenges posed by restrictions. Participants recorded their performances at home and submitted them online, while adjudicators provided feedback through virtual sessions. The success of these virtual festivals demonstrated the festival’s adaptability and commitment to keeping the arts alive during difficult times.
The transition to virtual events also helped the festival reach new audiences and foster connections that will likely continue to benefit the KFPA long after the pandemic has passed.
Volunteerism is the heart and soul of the KFPA. Each year, the festival relies on a dedicated team of over 100 volunteers to help with various tasks, from managing registration and supervising performance venues to assisting with scholarships and publicity. Beyond the festival’s immediate needs, the KFPA provides ongoing volunteer opportunities through its Board of Directors and a variety of committees. These committees, which include areas such as adjudicators, finance, publicity, and scholarships, allow community members to contribute their skills and expertise while supporting the festival’s long-term sustainability.
As the KFPA celebrates its 92nd year, the festival remains a cornerstone of Kamloops’ cultural identity. Whether it’s through mentorship, scholarship opportunities, or simply the chance to perform on stage, the KFPA continues to be a transformative experience for the youth of Kamloops.
For those interested in participating, the festival encourages young artists to engage with the arts community even before officially entering. Aspiring performers are invited to attend sessions in the disciplines they are interested in, learn from experienced professionals, and attend the annual Honours Concert, which showcases the best performances of the festival.
The Kamloops Festival of the Performing Arts invites everyone to join in supporting the next generation of artists and performers. Whether through volunteering, attending performances, or donating to the scholarship fund, there are many ways for the community to get involved and ensure that the festival’s legacy of artistic excellence continues for years to come.
Registration for the 2025 Festival closes on Dec. 10. For more details, please visit www.kfpa.ca.