The Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival has once again been forced to take a creative approach to its annual music festival scheduled for July 9 to the 11.

Ongoing COVID restrictions mean for the second year in a row the St. John’s Folk Arts Society has had to think outside the box and plan a festival outside of the usual gathering in Bannerman Park.

Executive Director Erin Whitney says they’re partnering with First Light on an indoor concert venue to allow for physical distancing, and they’re in conversation with the city of St. John’s for a variety of pop-up type performances.

She says they’re talking to the city about the concept of safe locations for “tiny, outdoor performances” on the Pedestrian Mall and throughout the city.