There’s no doubt that the bar was raised to an unseen level last year for the Hospitality Days Festival in Bathurst. A massive crowd, beautiful weather, and great music, really showcased what Bathurst can do when everyone works together. 

This year, as I’m sure most of you have heard by now, there’s a new president for the committee. And although this is his first time heading this annual festival, he is far from new when it comes to organizing events for the Chaleur Region. 

“I have experience,” says Bob Lennon, “I did 3 years of the Bay Jam festival and we raised over $80,000 for the new Civic Center, which was being built back then.”

Bob understands the importance of keeping this festival alive and ensuring that each year brings something new and exciting. 

“Last year, they raised the bar. They went above and beyond any Hospitality Days by bringing in the Barenaked Ladies. And I couldn’t let this go by the wayside.”

While much of what made last year’s festival so special will remain intact, there are some changes that are being made.

One of them is that this year the Hospitality Days committee would like everyone in Bathurst to become a volunteer for the festival. The work isn’t hard, it’s simply to bring back two people to the Chaleur region. 

“The slogan for this year will be Bring em Home! and we want you to send us pictures of past festivals on our social media, and bring some of your family and friends to the region.”

Another interesting aspect of this year’s festival is that, like the Bay Jams, it will be a fundraiser for the community. The funds will go to helping Bathurst find a permanent stage for bands.

There are several locations around the region, and the committee is looking at all of them to not only provide a permanent home for the festival but also to allow more entertainment to come to the area.

“If we can take the money and put it back into the region, then let’s do it.” 

Last year, the festival featured three nights of music, and while this year the plans are to do the same, the lineup of music is going to change a little.

Thursday evening is going to feature local bands like last year. The committee knows all about the immense amount of local talent and it’s important to allow them the chance to play on a bigger stage, and in front of a bigger crowd.

Friday will be a big change, because instead of a country music night, the committee has decided on a tribute band night instead.

“A lot of headliners are getting old, and even if you could get them here, they’re way too expensive. This allows us to get the same sound as those bands and allows people to hear some of their favourite songs.”

And Saturday evening will be the big night. Although we don’t have the names of the bands yet, the goal is to have two headliners going on back to back, possibly with an opening band and another to close out the evening.

We’re happy to have had the chance to speak to the new President of Hospitality Days and get some more information about what to expect for the summer of 2025. 

Thank you, Bob. And that’s another edition of the Northern Heat Report. The place you come to listen to the stories that have not yet been discovered.