The 48th annual Juno festivities and awards are coming to London in 2019. But what does that truly mean for the forest city?
From an economic standpoint, the city expects to pull in a cool $10 million dollars from the event.
City council spent $500,000 on the bid for the Junos. Mayor Matt Brown says the hefty one time payment was worthwhile. “From my perspective this is an incredible return on investment. It’s going to pay dividends for our community.”
Being named the next host of Canada’s music awards will help shape the city’s vision for the downtown core. Construction on Dundas Place will begin in the spring of this year and by time fall comes approx. 2,000 students will be studying at Fanshawe College’s new downtown campus.
“We know that we’re a music city. This is going to help us tell that story. The Junos will coincide with all kinds of exciting things that are happening in our downtown.” – Mayor Matt Brown
The event will be more than just an award show. Chris Campbell of Tourism London is the host Chair and he says the event will offer something for everyone.
“This is the largest cultural event in Canada. It has an amazing array of events that really touch every genre of music and appeal to just about every age group.”
Fans will even have the opportunity to attend meet & greets and interact with their favourite Canadian artists.
Another important aspect of an event this big coming to London are the networking opportunities.
“You’ve got the national music industry in town. It’s a great opportunity to connect. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or sound engineer there are so many opportunities” said Campbell in regards to how the Junos will benefit students.
Volunteers will be in high demand.
If you’re looking to get involved, keep your ears peeled later this year when the planning committee begins looking to fill positions for helping hands.
This year’s edition of the Junos are being held in Vancouver. Once those festivities wrap up in BC there will be a passing-of-the-torch type of event involving Mayor Brown and his Vancouver counterpart Gregor Robertson.
From there it is full steam ahead for London Tourism in anticipation for March 2019.
