Chesterfest organizer Joel Rohs performing. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Brady Bateman

Comfiest event in the west

Prince Albert music festival puts a spin on seating

Jul 5, 2019 | 10:28 AM

An outdoor music festival in Prince Albert is aiming to provide extra comfort for patrons and find new use for aged chesterfields.

Chesterfest has been marketed as the “comfiest festival on the Prairies” as more than 100 couches, loveseats and recliners will be made available to those in attendance in place of traditional festival seating.

“My girlfriend and I moved into a new place last February. We had bought some old floral couches for our living room, and someone had posted on our Facebook ‘Oh someone should do a music festival with couches called Couchella,’” Joel Rohs, organizer with the event said.

“I kind of thought to myself that’s an insane idea, but if someone was crazy enough, they could do it and make it work, and that’s kind of where it started.”

Rohs added the event has been in the planning stage for 12 months, with a whirlwind of learning experiences and changes to the festival since its inception including a change from one, to two days in length.

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He also noted although this is his first time planning a music festival, his background has definitely helped ease the process.

“I’ve done loads of planning with other festivals in and around the city. I also do sound for a lot of the festivals around the city,” Rohs said. “I don’t necessarily have loads of festival throwing experience, but I’ve got loads of experience that has helped. This is something I’ve always wanted to do so why not do it now?”

A total of 102 chesterfields will be available throughout the event’s grounds. Rohs said he hopes the seating will encourage sharing and comradery amongst event goers.

“Couches are going to be scattered all over the festival grounds. A couple people are even bringing their own couches. Of course, you’re still welcome to bring regular festival chairs as well,” Rohs said.

“Obviously we don’t have couches for everyone, but sharing is caring and we’re hoping that everyone can enjoy them.”

Headlining the show is Regina-based band The Dead South, which Rohs said recently gained international attention.

The festival will feature three separate stages, and 24 varying acts over two days. Tickets for Friday have sold out, but Saturday and weekend passes are still available.

There is no age limit for attendance, although you must be 19 years or older to attend the event past 11 p.m. Youth 12 and under can enter for free with an adult. The event will be held just outside of P.A. at Par Place.

“We wanted something that was obviously comfortable, but we also want to be accessible,” Rohs said. “We want to be a festival that anyone of any age can come and enjoy, with different music for people to enjoy.”

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brady.bateman@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TheDigitalBirdy