Smoke dissipates; Outdoor events return across London Saturday despite thunderstorm

Outdoor events resumed in London after air quality improved.

After having to cancel opening night Friday due to the smoke and air quality, the Pride London Festival was on Saturday.

Performers took the stage as early as 11 am with plans to run rain or shine right up until 11 p.m.

“We had to unfortunately, cancel yesterday because of the air quality, but we’re back on full events today,” said Mark Babcook, volunteer coordinator & emergency preparedness with Pride London Festival.

“I think we’re hoping for a great turnout, especially considering that we had to cancel yesterday, hoping that people kind of have the momentum to come back out today”.

Drag performers read stories to families and artists were performing on both the main and side stage at Victoria Park.

The 30th annual Pride London Parade will begin Sunday at 12 p.m. at Western Fair District.

It will travel along Queen’s Avenue to Waterloo St. and end in Victoria Park.

“We’re expecting upwards of just over 100 floats, so it’s going to be about an hour and a half to two hours in length,” added Babcook.

“We’re going to expect a variety of community partners in the parade, anything from banks to the city police and we’ve got some drag performers, so it’s going to be great show”.

Across the city in the east end, the annual Crouch Block Party was taking place on Sackville St. at Hamilton Road.

“We’re happy that the weather turned around and the smoke cleared and we were able to gather today,” said Steacy Martin, executive director at Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre.

“The Block Party started in 2019, and we took a small pause throughout the pandemic, but came back. The community comes together bigger and stronger every year to bring everyone together, alleviate some of that social isolation, and just have a fun day and let all the worries wash away while we party on the streets. We have live music, fun activities, free face painting and some free cotton candy from Ward one Councilor Hadley McAllister”.

Earlier in the day the City of London announced all outdoor amenities and programs were returning to regular operations now that air quality conditions are improving.

Outdoor sports amenities, including soccer fields, beach volleyball courts, baseball diamonds, and cricket fields, are now open.

Storybook Gardens was set to reopen and city-led outdoor events scheduled for this evening, including Outdoor Movie Nights and special events on Dundas Place will also proceed as planned.

Down at Harris Park, after two days of cancellations, Rock the Park returned with a bang Friday night.

The popular 90’s night went off without a hitch as fans enjoyed throwing it back with artists Nelly, Shaggy, Afroman, Fat Joe and OMI.

Canadian rockers Three Days Grace will wrap up the show Saturday night.