The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County (ACA) announced at its 24th Annual Meeting Thursday night that it has transferred rights to its popular BridgeFest music festival to Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc.

“Each summer for the past seven years, BridgeFest has supported, promoted and celebrated our many local musicians, showcasing their extraordinary talents. It has been a pleasure seeing the four days of music that bridge the gap between the iconic folk and jazz festivals grow into such an eagerly anticipated summer event in its own right,” said Nancy McAuliffe, President of the Arts & Cultural Alliance.

“However, it became readily apparent to our Board of Directors that the purpose of BridgeFest overlapped with many of the recent Festivals Foundation initiatives, especially its educational events for young people and families and growing support for local musicians. The world-renowned success of both the Folk and Jazz Festivals now allows for programming well beyond the original two weekends.”

The Newport Folk Festival takes place July 22-24 followed by the Newport Jazz Festival July 29-31, with BridgeFest between the two events.

“Newport Festivals Foundation is excited to support the community through this important cultural endeavor. We are pleased that the ACA, which presented BridgeFest for seven years, is entrusting this great tradition to our Foundation,” said Jay Sweet, Executive Producer of Newport Festivals Foundation.  “In 2016, we’ll take a look at programs that have been part of BridgeFest and explore opportunities with other local groups. In addition, we will continue to produce our free family concert at Fort Adams on the Wednesday between festivals as well as add some other surprises.”

For more information on how to be a part of BridgeFest 2016, visit the website at www.newportbridgefest.com.