Festival of Small Halls offers discount to lure younger patrons

An annual summer festival on P.E.I. is launching a new discount on tickets in the hopes of drawing younger people to its shows.

Beginning this season, the P.E.I. Mutual Festival of Small Halls is offering a $5 discount on tickets to anyone under 30 at all its venues.

Jennifer Campbell, the festival's executive director, said the discounted tickets areone way the festival can try to attract younger audiences.

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"We put on these shows in hopes that people are exposed to culture and rich Island culture," said Campbell.

"We [want to]show the youth that they can also take part in putting on shows and helping these communities grow."

The festival had previously sold discounted tickets to students, including those attending post-secondary schools, but Campbell said it was time the festival changed its approach.

"In previous years it was just for students and there was some uptake, but we wanted to engage a few more people," said Campbell.

Anyone wishing to take advantage of the new discount will require a valid photo ID at the box office.

TheFestival of Small Halls is also expanding the number of venues involved in the festival. This year there will be six new music halls plus five additional venues for special children's showsand a late-night venue as well.

This year's festival runs from June 11-24.

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