Food Stalls in the park
Thousands of families are expected to pass through Victoria Park this weekend as the annual Children’s Festival returns, featuring live entertainment, food vendors, and family activities all free to attend.
Organizer Doug Hillier said the festival, which started years ago as a community event for his children, has grown into a large-scale tradition for many Londoners. He said the goal remains the same: offering a no-cost outing for families.
“It was a wonderful thing for the kids to have a free day in the park,” Hillier said. “You come in, you could enjoy everything the food, the live entertainment.”
The festival, running throughout the weekend, includes simple games such as giant Jenga and a lineup of family-oriented performances provided by the Boys and Girls Club. Hillier estimates that 30,000 to 50,000 people typically attend over the course of the event.
While the event appears festive, organizers say rising infrastructure costs have made planning more difficult. Fees collected from vendors have not increased, but the costs of running the event from setup to power continue to rise.
“Infrastructure costs go up, but all the vendor fees stay the same,” Hillier said. “It gets harder and harder.”
This year marks the return of live music a change from past editions where organizers focused on interactive amusements. Hillier said the entertainment shift reflects the growing interest in traditional performances after years without them.
New food options are also on-site, including fruit-based snacks, specialty burgers, and popular street-style items. But Hillier says the focus remains on providing an open, accessible space for children and families whether they stop for a few minutes or spend the day.
The festival continues through Sunday in downtown London.
