During the July 4-15 event, more than a quarter-of-a-million music fans will be able to use their RFID wristband to pay for food, drink and other goods around the site, while the chip securely stores their entrance tickets. Ticket holders will benefit from much faster access into Bluesfest, and shorter lines at food, beverage, and merchandise outlets. The technology also prevents any counterfeit ticketing, and will provide Bluesfest organizers with a next generation platform for future creative initiatives with sponsor partners and artists.

The technology is being provided by Montreal-based solutions provider Intellitix, which last year activated one-million RFID wristbands. The Canadian company counts Coachella, Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza among their clients in the US, in addition to Le Festival d'été de Québec.

"Working with Intellitix on this initiative is a natural fit," says RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest executive director, Mark Monahan. "They're industry leaders and have already established an excellent track record with some much-respected music events across the continent,"

Serge Grimaux, Intellitix head, says: "Just as Bluesfest is renowned for its progressive line up, greening policies, and the admirable charitable work it undertakes, adopting our technology shows it innovating again, at yet another level. We're extremely happy that such a world-renowned festival has chosen to work with the market leader for RFID solutions at festival and live events."