Latest news with #MercedesCaxaj
CBC
5 days ago
- Business
- CBC
London festival organizers seek city support for rising security costs
Social Sharing London festival organizers say they're looking to increase security measures in response to public safety concerns and would like to see more financial support from the city. Annual festivals like London's Sunfest have emergency procedures and security in place, but a recent attack in Vancouver spurred organizers to ensure "all their ducks are in a row," said Mercedes Caxaj, Sunfest's co-artistic director. "We have to be prepared for any kind of situation, especially at public-facing events." On April 26, a man drove a car into a Filipino community festival in Vancouver, killing 11 people and injuring more than two dozen others. The tragedy has since sparked conversations around minimizing safety risks at public events, with the B.C. government reviewing festival safety measures and Toronto recently announcing $2.1 million in funding for increased festival security. Caxaj said she would like to see London follow Toronto's lead. Caxaj said festival security costs have increases year over year for Sunfest, and that funding from the city would be an investment in the city's culture. "To have that kind of support from the city would mean that they're also investing in the events, the event organizers, and in the social fabric and cultural vibrancy of the city," she said. "It means that we're working collectively." London's Victoria Park is also set to host a new festival celebrating Filipino culture and heritage in August, and the tragedy in Vancouver was discussed during security planning. Organizer Faith Trigo-Sawyer said they are taking it very seriously and have plans to set up barricades and even speed bumps to protect against vehicles. Trigo-Sawyer said they will also be meeting with London police and city officials to discuss support and was pleased to see Toronto step up with added security funding. "They should do it in all the cities that are having festivals," she said. New city policy aims for collaboration London currently gives financial support to city-run and non-profit events and festivals on a case-by-case basis, keeping in mind the cost to taxpayers and the level of community support, according to Paul Ladouceur, the city's director of emergency management and security services. "We want to make sure the public can enjoy these events without concern for safety," he said. When asked whether or not the city will consider allocating funds for festival security, Ladouceur said discussions about event safety are still ongoing, and he does not know where they will land. Ladouceur said a new special events policy aimed at increasing safety could be coming, but the policy would not include funding to support for-profit festival organizers, but rather a requirement that they work with the city to develop a comprehensive emergency response plan. Organizers are asked to outline typical safety features like medical support, inclement weather protocol and road closures, but also procedures for more severe emergencies. Organizers are taking precautions but are not worried Caxaj and Trigo-Sawyer made it clear they do not believe festivals in London are less safe than before. Unexpected situations can happen anywhere, and there are some events that can't be accounted for," Caxaj said. "I think we just hear about it a lot more," she said. "But because we're hearing about it, we have to be responsible to make sure that everybody's safety is the number-one priority." Trigo-Sawyer said she isn't concerned about any danger at Fiesta Extravaganza, but as an organizer, she wants to show people that they're taking appropriate precautions. "That way, it will give them security that something like the Vancouver attack will not happen."
CTV News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Sunfest 2025 unveils artist lineup
London's premier outdoor summer festival has unveiled its lineup at a kickoff event hosted by CTV London's Nick Paperella. Sunfest 2025 will be packed with music, dancing, food, and drink when it returns to Victoria Park from July 3 – 6. In its 31 years, Sunfest has grown from a small local event to an international attraction and brand. It is also an economic driver for the city. 'We have the economic studies that show that, you know, 20 to 25 per cent of attendance are coming from outside of London and other parts of Canada, and even all over the parts of the world,' said Alfredo Caxaj, the founder of Sunfest. Sunfest began with a focus on international acts, and this year it will feature more than 20, including groups from Cuba and Africa. 'We have a great band from DR Congo this year,' highlighted Mercedes Caxaj, the artistic co-director. 'They make all of their outfits and all of their instruments. They're known as an Afro-futuristic, punk, eco-friendly collective.' She added that the international sounds of Sunfest will be met equally by homegrown talent. 'This year we are really seeing a big focus on Indigenous voices, especially from across Canada and internationally. We also have women-led voices as well,' explained Mercedes. Sunfest Chair Paula Jesty hopes all featured artists will bring smiles to attendees' faces amidst an increasingly polarized world. 'I think now more than ever in the world we live in, we need organizations like Sunfest. We need to remember and to celebrate,' said Jesty. And if people take time to do just that, Alfredo concedes he would be moved, 'By all of you, by the local community, international people. This is so beautiful because it's so meaningful.' A free kickoff block party for Sunfest will be held this weekend at London Brewing Co-op on Burbrook Place. More information on Sunfest acts can be found online.
