‘We’re all about community and family’: Third annual Island Fest hits downtown London

Island Fest at Covent Garden Market Rotary Square in London, Ont. on July 25, 2025. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)

The sights and sounds of the Caribbean can be found in downtown London this weekend.

The third annual Island Fest is underway at Covent Garden Market Rotary Square and Talbot Street.

The event features vendors, food, and performers from as far away as Trinidad.

There’s also a Kiddie Corner.

Cherie Leslie, marketing and social media director, says it gives people a chance to soak up Caribbean Culture in the heart of the city.

“In the Caribbean, we’re all about community and family, so it’s nice to bring the community and family to London here as well,” said Leslie. “Many moons ago, we used to have these kind of festivals, then they kind of disappeared. So, we decided it was time to bring them back, and here we are, and every year they ask for when’s it going to come back, and what we’re expecting, so it’s great to know that people actually want to see this and come out to support.”

Island Fest is a free event, which runs through the weekend.

• Saturday, July 26, 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.
• Sunday, July 27, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.