If you’re in London, New Year’s Eve in the Park has something for everyone
The New Year’s Eve in the Park celebration will have two firework displays — one at 9 p.m. and another at the stroke of midnight. (CBC)
With 2019 coming to a close, here are some of the top free events to ring in the new year here in London and surrounding areas.
New Year’s Eve in the Park
Starting at 7 p.m., everyone is invited to Victoria Park for the annual New Year’s bash.
The free, family-friendly event promises to have something for everyone from outdoor skating to live music performances.
Local electro-swing band Tell It To Sweeney will be opening up the night after winning the Road To New Year’s Eve contest. They’ll be joining the local performers’ lineup that includes The Thinking Caps, Ill at Will, the Sweet Adelines and the Forest City London Music Awards All-Stars, who will be playing Canadian hits from the 1980s to the present.
“Rather than paying big money for outside acts to come in, we’ll celebrate our local talent, keep the money here and give the artists a venue in their local city,” said Marcus Plowright, New Year’s Eve in the Park chair.
The event will include two fireworks displays — one at 9 p.m., catered to children and families, and another at the stroke of midnight.
Organizers say their goal is to be as inclusive as possible with the event and ensure Londoners from all walks of life make it to the end-of-year celebration.
“We want newcomers and old-timers to come and celebrate with their neighbours in a way that celebrates out city without it costing anything,” Plowright said.
Free transit
The LTC will be offering free bus rides from 8 p.m. until the end of service, with some routes operating until 1 a.m. Special New Year’s Eve schedules can be found on the LTC’s Routes & Schedules page.
Events in the region
- Family skate and balloon drop at the Optimist Club in Ilderton starting at 7 p.m.
- Family New Year’s Eve party at the Pyramid Recreation Centre in St. Marys starting at 6 p.m.
- Fireworks at Pinafore Park in St. Thomas starting at 8 p.m.