London, Ontario, is celebrating its 200th anniversary since its official establishment as a village at the Forks of the Thames River. City hall, local historians, and heritage advocates are enthusiastic about honoring this milestone with a year-long series of events. The bicentennial celebrations will encompass various activities such as tours, markets, educational experiences, and opportunities for individuals to explore the local history at their own pace.
The city’s Cultural Services Manager, Robin Armistead, emphasized the significance of 1826 as the true starting point for London. While the official 200th birthdate falls on Jan. 30, the celebrations kicked off with a New Year’s Eve event in Victoria Park. The Eldon House Levee marked the initial event of the year, offering refreshments and self-guided tours of the historic site.
Numerous community and city-led initiatives are planned throughout the year, including the Heritage Fair in February and the History Symposium in October. City-developed branding will be shared with event organizers to unify the celebrations. Events like the annual Blackfriars Bridge celebration will be extended to two days to add a new dimension to the festivities.
London’s designation as a UNESCO City of Music and Forest City will be highlighted during the bicentennial year. The seamless collaboration among various sectors and organizations in the mid-sized city is seen as a unique strength by Armistead.
The London and Middlesex Historical Society (LMHS), celebrating its 125th year, is actively engaged in the bicentennial celebrations. President James Stewart Reaney expressed the society’s enthusiasm for being part of the city’s milestone. Recognizing London’s rich history, the LMHS plans to release 200 Forest City Facts on the city’s website, shedding light on intriguing aspects of London’s past.
The celebrations extend beyond the 200 years of London’s establishment, acknowledging the indigenous heritage of the land. Events like a bicentennial trivia night at Museum London are scheduled, inviting the community to join in the festivities. To access a comprehensive list of events, visit the City’s website.
