Londoners are being invited to ring in the New Year and be entertained by local artists at Victoria Park this December 31.
Organizers of the annual New Year's Eve party in the park unveiled plans for this year's event on Friday. Along with a focus on local talent, they also announced a new sponsor. Internet provider Start.ca will sponsor what's being called the Start.ca New Year's Eve in the Park.
“From start to finish, it’s a family friendly event,” says Marcus Plowright, community member and chair of the New Year’s Eve planning committee. “The first two hours of the event have been reimagined to draw people in with unique family-focused opportunities to get engaged and stay warm at this one-of-a-kind outdoor celebration.”
Things get underway at 7pm with the London Life Family Fest. It will feature entertainment for all ages on two stages, along with free skating, ice sculpting, a snowman building competition, and a family fireworks show.
After 9pm, two local bands will perform. Those acts will be chosen in a community vote. Then, the 15 local mucisians that make up the Jack Richardon Orchestra will perform as the clock counts down to 2018. Another fireworks show will ring in the New Year.
“We’re creating an opportunity for Londoners from all walks of life to celebrate Canada 150 and all the amazing things our city has to offer,” says Mayor Matt Brown. “This free event will give us all a chance to experience and enjoy our grassroots musical talent and it will have community-focused programming for every member of the family.”
Local bands interested in being part of the selection process for one of the two slots can join the competition by going to www.londonmusicoffice.com/nye-in-the-park-2017.