Thousands gather in Victoria Park for Lighting of the Lights
It was a steady stream of people heading into Victoria Park over the dinner hour on Friday, and most filed to the bandshell for a little festive cheer.
The thousands on hand were also ready to add their voices to the Christmas tunes, adding an emphatic “hey” during the singing of “Jingle Bells.”
Just before 7 p.m., as the Doug Varty Band was singing, “When The Lights Come on at Christmas,” they flipped the switch and 75,000 lights filled the trees with colour.
There was a lighting of the lights last year but, deep in the throes of the pandemic, no crowds were allowed.
It was a disappointment for Amanda Angus and her family but they were happy to be back this year to resume a Christmas tradition.
"We used to come here when I was a kid,” she said. “We always came to lighting of the lights and went home and decorated the Christmas tree. So I thought it would be great to bring my daughter, and then my nephews are here. The whole family's here. It's a good time."
Crowds walk through Victoria Park after Lighting of the Lights ceremony in London, Ont. on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021. (screen grab from video by Gerry Dewan/CTV London)
Two-year-old Jordyn Antoine thought it was a good time, too. She bopped to the music and ran in happy circles. Her family was going to bring her last year but Sharlene Sterkenburg feels she was able to appreciate it more this year.
"She loves to dance. She loves people. She loves the lights,” Sterkenburg said.
About half of those gathered were wearing masks even though Mayor Ed Holder encouraged everyone to be masked, and that message was repeated from the bandshell stage.
Despite that, Holder says vaccines and the outdoor conditions put his mind at ease.
"One of the positives is that we're outdoors and what the Middlesex London Health Unit consistently tells us is that outdoor events are significantly safer than indoor events,” he said.
Holder says a lot of thought went into the decision open this event to the public, "Last year, sadly, it was easier to make that decision to not go because of the pandemic and the number of case counts were so great,” he said. :But, you know, Londoners have earned this. They deserve tonight."
And after the lights were all on many took the time to make the slow walk through the park to take it all in.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.