A major concert announcement has been made months earlier than usual for one of southern Manitoba’s biggest summer events. Nathan Knight, chair of the Morden Corn and Apple Festival, confirmed Wednesday morning that Canadian rock band The Tea Party will headline the festival this year. “The Tea Party is going to be at the Morden Corn and Apple Festival on Saturday, August the 29th in a free show,” Knight said. “This is 100% happening on August the 29th.” Announcement comes earlier than usual Knight said the announcement is coming earlier than in previous years, with the festival normally revealing the headliner closer to June. “But we're announcing this early this year.” he said. He explained the process of securing a major act can take several months and involves a number of factors, including budget and artist availability. “I made the first inquiry on this band back in November,” Knight said. “So it's been about five months.” 90s rock focus continues The festival has leaned heavily into 1990s rock in recent years, something Knight says has worked well with audiences. “It's 90s rock. It's worked in the past, so we're sticking with it,” he said. Knight also pointed out the band has recently performed in Manitoba, including a major arena show in Winnipeg within the past year. “They've played at Canada Life Centre within the past 12 months, and you're going to see them for free in Morden,” he said. Big draw expected again this year The Corn and Apple Festival has brought in several well-known Canadian acts over the past few years, including Big Wreck, Sloan, 54-40 and The Watchmen. Knight anticipates this year’s headliner is an even bigger draw. The Tea Party was one of Canada’s top-selling rock bands during the 1990s and is known for hits such as Heaven Coming Down, Temptation and Save Me. Saturday night concert confirmed Knight confirmed the band will headline the main stage on Saturday night of the festival, Aug. 29, and the show will be free to attend. He added the festival continues to attract visitors from across the region and expects the headliner announcement to bring in visitors from near and far. “This will draw, I think, even farther out,” Knight said. More details about the full entertainment lineup are expected to be released in the coming months. Morden Corn & Apple Festival