Sunfest 2025 unveils artist lineup

As CTV London’s Sean Irvine reports, the Sunfest 2025 lineup has been announced.

London’s premier outdoor summer festival has unveiled its lineup at a kickoff event hosted by CTV London’s Nick Paperella.

Sunfest 2025 will be packed with music, dancing, food, and drink when it returns to Victoria Park from July 3 – 6.

In its 31 years, Sunfest has grown from a small local event to an international attraction and brand.

It is also an economic driver for the city.

“We have the economic studies that show that, you know, 20 to 25 per cent of attendance are coming from outside of London and other parts of Canada, and even all over the parts of the world,” said Alfredo Caxaj, the founder of Sunfest.

Sunfest began with a focus on international acts, and this year it will feature more than 20, including groups from Cuba and Africa.

“We have a great band from DR Congo this year,” highlighted Mercedes Caxaj, the artistic co-director. “They make all of their outfits and all of their instruments. They’re known as an Afro-futuristic, punk, eco-friendly collective.”

She added that the international sounds of Sunfest will be met equally by homegrown talent.

“This year we are really seeing a big focus on Indigenous voices, especially from across Canada and internationally. We also have women-led voices as well,” explained Mercedes.

Sunfest Chair Paula Jesty hopes all featured artists will bring smiles to attendees’ faces amidst an increasingly polarized world.

“I think now more than ever in the world we live in, we need organizations like Sunfest. We need to remember and to celebrate,” said Jesty.

And if people take time to do just that, Alfredo concedes he would be moved, “By all of you, by the local community, international people. This is so beautiful because it’s so meaningful.”

A free kickoff block party for Sunfest will be held this weekend at London Brewing Co-op on Burbrook Place.

More information on Sunfest acts can be found online.