The numbers at the Stendhal Festival in Limavady this year are expected to be back to pre-pandemic levels.
On Thursday, thousands of people will descend upon the Ballymully Cottage Farm in County Londonderry.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the three-day festival program was reduced in 2021.
Stendhal is usually a popular attraction with a crowd of 10,000, but this year the festival was only allowed for 2,500 people.
From humble beginnings in 2011, the event has become one of Northern Ireland’s largest independent music and arts festivals.
The 2022 lineup features Sister Sledge and The Villagers, as well as Bronagh Gallagher.
Stendhal isn’t just for music fans. There are many other activities, including comedy readings, poetry readings, craft classes, and art installations.
Stendhal’s name refers to Stendhal syndrome, a psychological condition that causes dizziness in people who are exposed to great beauty.
Ross Parkhill, event organizer, said that Stendhal’s appeal lies in the fact that there is something for everyone.
“It’s family-run, there’s many local families involved and it’s for the whole family,” Mr Parkhill stated to BBC Radio Foyle.
“There is a certain nervousness and excitement. It has been a year of hard work to finally get the gates open.
“We are back where we were before Covid. He said that we expect about 9,000 to 10,000 people in the coming year.
Live coverage of the festival will be available on BBC Radio Foyle, BBC Radio UIster and BBC Radio UIster Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
You can find a complete program of events here.
