Businesses, organizers prepare for New Year’s Eve celebrations in downtown London
The countdown is on to New Year's Eve.
For some that means preparing weeks or even months in advance for NYE celebrations, including organizers working with the City of London.
“We’ve started putting this together probably late August,” said Mario Circelli, an event organizer for NYE in the park.
“We were already thinking ahead. We do a tender for production and then we identify the production and we start assembling the bands.”
The biggest change from the last few years is the return of large indoor and outdoor events.
Over the last two years many celebrations were cancelled due to a rise in COVID-19 cases and restrictions in place.
Circelli said local musicians will take the stage throughout the night, kicking off at 7 p.m. until midnight in Victoria Park.
“It’s the type of event where you can show up and not have to spend a dollar. It’s free, family friend, and it’s all London, 100 per cent”
Several restaurants and bars in the downtown core are preparing for the big night over the next few days.
At Waldo’s on King Street they’re serving up a three course menu for customers on New Year’s Eve.
“This year is going to be a lot different. We were fully booked like a week ago,” said Mark Kitching, the owner, and chef of Waldo’s on King Bistro and Wine bar.
“When I look at the numbers it’s probably been our busiest year in 10 years so we are very happy we’re getting back to business.”
The free “New Year’s Eve in the Park” celebration will kick off in Victoria Park at 7 p.m. and will feature two fireworks displays, outdoor skating, live performances by local artists, and free hot chocolate.
The first fireworks display will occur at 9 p.m. followed by a second one at the stroke of midnight.
Some of the performances include local musicians Forest City London Music Awards All-Star Band, Nameless Friends, Lindsey, and The Lonelies, Full Throttle, and The Thinking Caps. The event will also feature local street dance crew Ill at Will.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
TD Bank hit with record US$3 billion fine over drug cartel money laundering
TD Bank will pay US$3 billion to settle charges that it failed to properly monitor money laundering by drug cartels, regulators announced Thursday.
DEVELOPING Live updates: Millions without power amid path of destruction left by Hurricane Milton
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction and immobilizing critical infrastructure. The extent of the damage is not yet known.
Fisher-Price infant swings recalled in Canada after 5 deaths reported
Several models of Fisher-Price infant swings have been recalled in Canada after the company received reports of fatalities link to affected products.
'The View' co-hosts come out swinging at Donald Trump a day after he insulted them
The hosts of ABC's 'The View' clapped back at Donald Trump on Thursday, a day after the Republican nominee for president insulted co-hosts Sunny Hostin and Whoopi Goldberg.
Poilievre says 'other ways' to address affordability for seniors than Bloc's proposed pension boost
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says that while his party backed a Bloc Quebecois motion seeking money to boost seniors' benefits, he thinks there are 'other ways' to address affordability for older Canadians.
Ethel Kennedy, social activist and wife of Robert F. Kennedy, has died
Ethel Kennedy, the wife of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy who raised their 11 children after he was assassinated and remained dedicated to social causes and the family’s legacy for decades thereafter, died on Thursday, her family said. She was 96.
Video shows violent robbery north of Toronto, suspects make off with suitcase full of cash: police
Police north of Toronto have released video of what they’re describing as a violent, targeted robbery in Thornhill, where suspects boxed in the victim’s car and made off with a suitcase filled with cash.
Air Canada pilots vote in favour of new contract, dousing strike fears
Air Canada pilots have given a green light to a tentative agreement with the airline, easing any fears of a future strike.
B.C. candidate apologizes for 'unacceptable' comments about Muslims, Palestinians
One of the B.C. Conservative candidates running in the province's second-largest city has apologized for "completely unacceptable" comments he made about Muslims and Palestinians.