Youth, police clash near Victoria Park after 'magical' Sunfest draws to a close

Sunfest wrapped up its final celebration Sunday, ending its 32nd year in Victoria Park.

A confrontation between London police officers and a group of young people throwing firecrackers disrupted the end of what a Sunfest organizer described as a “magical” weekend in Victoria Park. The 32nd edition of London’s biggest festival experienced a weekend of great weather and big, enthusiastic crowds – and what’s believed to be the largest single-day turnout in the festival’s history on Saturday. But, just after the music ended at the bandshell Sunday night, London police officers converged on the area of Central and Richmond streets, where a group of young people had been gathering all weekend.

London police are expected to release a statement about the incident Monday. But an eyewitness who lives in the neighbourhood and asked not to be identified said the youths, all wearing black-and-white T-shirts, were lingering at the entrance of the park every evening of the festival and had “swarmed” people attending the festival, traffic and businesses. On Sunday night, the group faced off with police officers and were throwing firecrackers and other items at officers, who used shields to protect themselves, the witness said.

“The London police were outstanding,” they said. “They were faced with hundreds of taunting young adults and the police acted accordingly.” The officers “did everything right,” the witness said.

There was no use of force until the firecrackers started flying, the witness said. Three people were taken into custody, they said, and “it was very unsettling to see something like this happen.” The witness added that there needs to be better lighting in the area, particularly along the concrete exterior wall and south sidewalk near the Libro parking lot.

Inside the park, Sunfest founder and executive director Alfredo Caxaj said organizers were not aware of what had prompted the large police presence that started after the show was over and most festival-goers had left the park. Those still in attendance were asked to leave the area. “We were pretty much done,” Caxaj said.

“The majority of people had already left. It was only the vendors trying to pick up their stuff and a small group of people who stayed after the celebration, talking in the square.” The vibrant festival celebrating global music and cultures in the heart of London was already on track to set new highs by featuring its largest artistic lineup to date, with 52 musical ensembles performing from July 9 to 12.

Saturday’s attendance may have set another festival record, Caxaj said. “I think Saturday has been, probably, one of the highest attendance that we ever had during the history of the festival. It was absolutely magical,” he said, adding that the exact attendance number isn’t available yet.

The increase in performers and attendance only added to the festival’s upbeat and free environment, which Caxaj attributes to Sunfest’s celebration of diversity. “The festival has a very unique identity in terms of representing what Canada is all about: cultural diversity. I think that on its own immediately opens the door for everyone,” Caxaj said.

David Moynihan, 51, has been a Sunfest vendor for four years. The owner of Cottage Pottery Studio sells handmade pottery while members of his staff demonstrate their skills on a pottery wheel. “I think Sunfest is embedded in the society of London,” Moynihan said.

“So many people come here to find new restaurants, musicians and people like us. I think the city really benefits from having festivals like this.” Many festival goers later visit the studio on Adelaide Street to take classes, tour the workshop or watch potters at work, he said.

“I canvass my students and all the way up until February we’ll hear, ‘Oh, I saw you at Sunfest and now I’m coming to take a class,’” Moynihan said. Olu John, a London resident in her 30s, visited Sunfest for the first time this weekend with her two young children. She said the diversity at Sunfest and being able to support the community and vendors were among her favourite parts of the festival.

“When you look at the different backgrounds and ethnic groups, you would see that there is a diverse range of people here,” John said. “I will come back every year.” Though Sunfest takes pride in its lineup, attendance and economic impact, Caxaj said the festival’s greatest impact is bringing the community together.

“For me, it’s a celebration of life. It’s a celebration of community. It’s a celebration of bringing together the whole world in one particular weekend because that’s what Sunfest really is,” Caxaj said.

“It brings the whole world to London. That on its own is the most beautiful thing that happens.”