London Ribfest returns to Victoria Park for the 36th year

Thousands of people are congregating in Victoria Park for Ribfest 2025, which is on over the Civic long weekend. CTV’s Nick Paparella reports.

The sights, sounds and aroma of barbequed ribs will take over Victoria Park as the London Ribfest returns for another year.

Last year’s champion, Fat Boys, has returned to defend it’s title as the best ribs and they are ready for the stiff competition.

“I was surprised to win but our team worked really hard and we put out great product last year and we hope to do it again this year,” says Ricki Kefalidis, of Fat Boys. “But honestly all of the ribbers here do a great job.”

Jack the Ribber has been a part of the festival off and on for 20 years and they are hoping to win once again.

“We are using local plum wood for our ribs and we have a recipe that has been handed down for three generations,” says Ilias Korakianitis, of Jack the Ribber.The event got underway on Thursday and already people were lined up to enjoy.

“The ribs are very good and mine had a sweet and sour taste,” says Jane Zaplatar.

Jarrod Grineau was there with family and friends enjoying the food from several ribbers. He share that a wise man once told him to choose the shortest line.

Ten ribbers are set up at the park but organizer Doug Hillier says the festival is so much more than just ribs saying, “We have one hundred other venders in Victoria Park, there is entertainment, a beer garden and something for everyone.”

The London Ribfest is on until Monday night.