It was established by folklorist and historian Louise Manny in response to a request from British politician and newspaperman Lord Beaverbrook that she document the traditional songs of his boyhood home.

The first festival was held in September 1958 at the Beaverbrook Town Hall and Theatre in Newcastle, New Brunswick.

[3][4] Allan Kelly (23 September 1903 - 1 October 2008) was one of the most popular singers and ardent supporters of the Festival.

Afterward, the Esteys entertained the crowd by telling their famous ghost stories.

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