The 2024 Loyalist Heritage Festival

On August 9-11, the Museum and local community celebrated the 240th anniversary of the Loyalist landing in Bedeque with the Loyalist Heritage Festival. This three-day festival featured historical activities and attracted a crowd from across the Island and beyond.

The festival began with the Loyalist Supper at Bedeque United Church, where Roy Johnstone provided musical accompaniment to the sold-out turkey supper.
Saturday's rain forced activities indoors, but a crowd attended all events. The day started with an opening ceremony featuring BAHS President Doug Sobey, Local MP Matt MacFarlane, United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada Abedweit Branch President Kevin Weisner, and Museum Manager Caeley Currie. A craft workshop followed, where participants made 18th-century embroidered pockets. The Heritage Social Dance Group then performed late 18th and 19th-century dances. The day concluded with two historical talks: “Loyalist Women” by Dr. Bonnie Huskins of UNB and “Bedeque Harbour Loyalists” by Doug Sobey. Both talks are available on the Museum’s YouTube channel.

Sunday, the final day, was bright and sunny, concluding the festival on a high note. The day featured a repeat of the 18th-century pocket workshop, drawing crafters of all ages. The annual blueberry social then took place, which included ice cream with blueberries, historical children's games, and a musical performance by BluRobin. The festival ended with a fiddle concert by Richard Wood at the Kanata Club in Kinkora.

The Loyalist Heritage Fesitval was funded in part by the Innovation PEI’s Community Celebration Fund. The Bedeque Museum extends a sincere thank you to all our sponsors and to everyone who helped to organize and execute the event, as well as to all those who attended. It was a memorable and successful fundraiser!