Sudburians under the Northern Lights (Festival Boréal)

When Northern Lights Festival Boréal returns to the park, there will be plenty of big names taking the stage.

But a folk festival lineup isn't complete without some homegrown talent.

“The amount of musical talent and variety in this city is astounding,” said Max Merrifield, executive director with the festival. “In some ways the event brings these artists out of the clubs and into the sunlight of the festival, where a whole new crowd is ready and waiting for new music.”

Marie-Claire et les Hula-Hoops are just one of the local groups performing.

“Think '60's French yéyé meets psychedelic space rock with a splash of surf guitar,” stated a media release from NLFB. “Cronier was the winner of Ontario Pop in 2012 and semi-finalist at the Festival International de la chanson de Granby next September.”

Paul Loewenberg, artistic director of the festival, said they are one of the hottest bands on the scene.

“They are certainly one of the most exciting new groups in the city, not only in the Francophone scene, but in general,” he said.

Other hometown heroes taking the stage include Meltdown winners Sam Cassio and Coast Redwood, as well as the Juno-nominated Silver Birch String Quartet.

The diverse lineup, featuring some of Sudbury's finest, as well as top Canadian acts and performers from beyond our borders is sure to make for a memorable festival.

The music begins July 5 and wraps up on July 7.

Tickets can be purchased from www.nlfbsudbury.com. Check out the website for more information.