Blyth, the little village that could. This is no blip on Huron County Road 4. Blyth is so much more than a wee village in rural Ontario. It’s full history, passionate artists, and is home to the Blyth Festival.

The Blyth Festival is not your average theatre festival. Forget about seeing plays you’ve read the book to or ones you’ve seen elsewhere. The Blyth Festival is dedicated to putting out pure Canadian theatre.

The Blyth Festival

But how did this incredible festival begin in this little village? It all began at the end of World War II. The Women’s Institute in Blyth came together, raised money, and purchased a plot of land on Blyth’s main street. It was here they built the Blyth Memorial Community Hall in tribute to their local soldiers and their sacrifices. But instead of a static monument they built a theatre.

Why a theatre? They built a theatre to celebrate the life those men had died to protect. This theatre would celebrate their culture. But sadly, by the late 1960s the building was in bad shape. And the theatre closed.

But this wasn’t the end. The persistent people of Blyth once again rallied together. They raised money to repair the building and in turn founded the Blyth Centre for the Arts – now home to the world-renowned Blyth Festival Theatre.

The Blyth Festival began in 1975 with a focus on creating new scripts that revolved on themes of rural Ontario. And in this time, the past 40 plus years the Festival has produced more new Canadian plays than almost any other theatre in Canada.

It now runs every summer from the end of May through September. To find out more about the Festival and to learn about the 2019 season be sure to check out their website here.

5 Reasons You Should Attend the Blyth Festival

1. Purely Canadian

If you’re Canadian or not I urge you to attend the Blyth Festival for a purely Canadian cultural experience. Learn more about the people and roots of this great country, from its farmers to its entrepreneurs, and everyone in between.

Many of these shows are based on real life. For instance, during my visit to Blyth I took in two shows. 1837: The Farmers’ Revolt is about the Rebellions of 1837 that took place in Lower and Upper Canada. Both sides were motivated by frustrations with political reform. It was certainly a lesson in Canadian history but remarkable for another reason. The play was literally born in Blyth and even helped inspire the creation of the Festival itself.

The other play I saw was Wing Night at the Boot. This is a funny, fun, and endearing story about the over 140 year’s history of the Blyth Inn, its bar – The Rubber Boot, and the people that bring it to life. Spend a few days exploring the small towns of Huron County and you’ll probably get most of the local jokes.

2. Incredible Talent

Not only are the plays Canadian but most of the actors and production team is too! And each and every one is extremely talented. I was blown away when I learned that for Wing Night at the Boot it was created by the cast and director after hearing tales from locals about the crazy and ordinary goings-on at The Boot.

The Blyth Festival’s actors, playwrights, and directors have worked in theatres across the country. And many are award-winning and have been in film and TV.

3. Enjoy the Art Gallery

A year after the Blyth Festival began a couple of local artists, along with a committee of volunteers, created a public art gallery to accompany the Festival. Much like the Festival, the Art Gallery was to focus on regional artists that produce in a variety of forms. And so became the Blyth Festival Art Gallery!

Located right next door to the Blyth Memorial Community Hall, where the Blyth Festival theatre is, you’ll find the Art Gallery. Throughout the season the Blyth Festival Art Gallery runs five different shows. The exhibits range from ones from professionals to others from students. And a wander through the Gallery makes for a great time before your play.

4. Great Food & Drinks

What pairs well with great theatre? Great food and drinks! And for a small place, Blyth offers only the best when it comes to dining, desserts, and drinks. Located right across the street from the Blyth Festival Theatre is Part II Bistro. Winning award after award, Part II Bistro serves up excellent meals of which are made with local ingredients.

If you’re looking for something different head down the street to Cowbell Brewing Company. Since opening in 2017 it has not only been busy but getting rave reviews. Along with craft beer, it offers local wines and cocktails, dining, and more. Have time between plays? Consider taking a tour of the state-of-the-art Brewery. Learn about the process and how they are working to make it the greenest they can.

And a day isn’t complete without dessert! And Blyth has one of the best bakeries in Huron County – Queens Bakery. With exposed brick walls covered with pieces from local artists, Queens Bakery serves up great coffee and delicious desserts. Try their homemade ice cream or choose from an array of tasty treats.

5. Exploring Beautiful Blyth

It’s easy to spend the day in Blyth. Take in a play, visit the Art Gallery, grab some lunch and/or dinner and dessert, and visit the Brewery. But there’s so much more! There are great shops like Maple and Moose that sells only Canadian goods – from food to crafts and great gift ideas. And don’t forget to wander down the hill to the Wonky Frog for more unique gift ideas from local artisans.

And for nature lovers, there is a lovely river, butterfly garden and a picturesque hiking trail. Running through Blyth is the G2G Rail Trail that runs from Guelph to Goderich along the old rail line.

So, whether you’re looking for a great place to day trip to or a weekend getaway that involves delicious food and fabulous theatre, Blyth is the place to be!

I partnered with The Blyth Festival but as always all opinions and suggestions are my own.

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