‘Best of the best in London’: All-star musicians to ring in 2026 at Victoria Park

Local musicians are preparing to ring in 2026 for thousands at London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, CTV’s Brent Lale has the details.

Singer songwriter Kristen Renee couldn’t believe it when she got the call to part of the Forest City London Music All-Stars (FCLMA).

“It’s amazing, but at first intimidating because it’s the best of the best in London,” said Renee, who joins the group which annually rings in the new year at Victoria Park.

The rising country pop artist recalls getting the invitation from band leader and event manager Mario Circelli.

“He explained kind of like what it is and what they do and they play every year,” said Renee.

“He said ‘We’d love for you to join.’ I was like, ‘Yes, absolutely.’”

The festivities at the park begin at 7 p.m. with a Family Hour where visitors enjoy kid-friendly performers, outdoor skating, free hot chocolate and an early countdown and fireworks show.

Just after 8pm, more artists, including Saidat, Fore the Record, Brad Gibb All-Star Band and the Latin Power Band perform with the FCLMA bringing it home.

“It’s the region’s largest free New Year’s Eve celebration,” said Jeremy Fox, a singer and guitar player who is part of the FCLMA for the fourth year.

“It’s really exciting to see everybody come together at the end of the year, enjoy the fireworks, enjoy the skating, the hot chocolate and the music of course.”

Feeling intimidated is perfectly normal for Renee, who has never played in front of a crowd this large. Organizers expect similar numbers to previous years, which would top 10,000 people in attendance.

“Being in that big crowd with all those people taking in the music, taking in the lights, taking in the fireworks, you just want to be there and you just want to experience that,” said Maki.

“It’s not something that you can simulate or that you can imagine. It’s something that you have to just be there to experience in real life.”

With a wide demographic to entertain, the FCLMA have a set list planned to keep people going past midnight.

“We’ve got some current stuff like Uptown Funk and Shake It Off by Taylor Swift,” said Fox.

“Then we got some Canadian classics like the Tragically Hip and Trooper. The vibe is celebration and gratitude and we’re going to be playing upbeat music so that everybody can keep warm. So hopefully we’ll see some dancing and it’s a good time celebration.”