While there will be no fireworks, large crowds, or live music to ring in the New Year in London, there will be a virtual celebration that pays tribute to the city's frontline and essential workers.
With COVID-19 numbers soaring and the province in lockdown, it was clear the annual bash in Victoria Park could not be held this year. It is the first time in two decades the downtown greenspace has not been the go-to spot for thousands of New Year's Eve revellers.
However, the city's New Year’s Eve organizing committee has found a way to bring the festivities into the homes of Londoners - through a 90-minute online production dubbed Everyday Heroes: London 2020.
The "snapshot" of the year that was will highlight London’s response to the global pandemic and honour those Londoners relied upon the most. Frontline and essential workers including nurses, doctors, delivery drivers, and grocery store employees were interviewed for the production.
“Everyday Heroes is the story of London’s COVID-19 experiences told by Londoners,” said Mario Circelli, director and producer. “Using pictures, videos and reports from the London Free Press, and interviews with essential workers, we are able to take a look back at 2020 and celebrate their resilience and bravery.”
Local videographers, editors and musicians all came together to put the piece together in time for New Year's Eve.
“What’s especially amazing about this production is to hear how COVID-19 affected every aspect of these Londoners’ lives,” Committee Chair Marcus Plowright said in a statement. “And how, despite the impact felt in both their professional and personal lives, frontline and essential workers in our city continue to return each day to potentially life-threatening situations, all to benefit the greater community.”
Everyday Heroes will be broadcast Thursday and Friday on Rogers tv Channel 13 and is available online at www.EverydayHeroesLondon2020.ca.
This New Year's Eve celebrate at home by taking in a very special broadcast!
— City of London (@CityofLdnOnt) December 28, 2020
"Everyday Heroes: London 2020" is a heartwarming look back at the past year & the frontline and essential workers who have kept our community going.
Airs Dec. 31 @RtvLondon & https://t.co/k0EIDklicG. pic.twitter.com/wqKiXDLzuP