This year marks 200 years since London, Ont., was officially established as a small village at the Forks of the Thames River. City hall, along with local historians and heritage advocates, believes this milestone deserves a grand celebration.
London’s bicentennial will be celebrated throughout the entire year with events like tours, markets, educational experiences, and chances for people to explore local history on their own terms.
“It truly is our 200th anniversary. We’ve had the date when [the site for London was chosen], we have the date when London was incorporated as a city, but [1826] is really when London started,” said Robin Armistead, London’s manager of cultural services.
While London’s official founding date is January 30-marking its recognition as a legal entity and new administrative center-there’s no harm in starting the celebrations early, she noted.
In fact, last night’s New Year’s Eve gathering in Victoria Park served as the official launch for bicentennial festivities. The first major event of this special year is the annual Eldon House Levee where attendees can enjoy refreshments and take a self-guided tour through this historic site.
But that’s just the beginning; many more events are lined up including community-led initiatives like the Heritage Fair on February 21 and History Symposium at Museum London on October 17 and 18. The city will also host sidewalk visuals this spring to mark the original town plot boundaries from 1826.
<p“We're building on existing events that we're already doing throughout the year and adding a new spin on some of them,” Armistead explained. “We also have a bicentennial brand that the city developed internally and we're sharing that brand with everybody [who is holding events].”
The way these new spins will show up varies. For instance, instead of just one day as usual, there will be two days for the annual Blackfriars Bridge celebration held on Labour Day, according to Armistead.
The bicentennial gives city hall an opportunity to embrace what makes London unique, she added.
“For one, we are a UNESCO City of Music in London,” Armistead mentioned.
“We’re also known as Forest City and we have been named Forest Capital of Canada for 2026; so expect some forest-themed events.”
Liberal connections among various sectors make it easy for collaborations within this mid-sized city according to Armistead.
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James Stewart Reaney, president of LMHS. (Submitted)
The plan includes posting 200 Forest City Facts on the city’s website-each providing roughly 100 words detailing intriguing aspects of London’s history.
An essential point highlighted by Reaney is that those involved in organizing London’s anniversary celebrations are looking beyond just these past two centuries; they’re also acknowledging Indigenous heritage long before it became known as London.
“One thing we’re committed to doing is recognizing that London’s story began well before it was called by this name or even back before 1826-and honoring everyone who lived here prior,” he shared.
Historical Society Engaged
A key player in all these celebrations is the London and Middlesex Historical Society (LMHS), which itself celebrates an important milestone-125 years since its establishment in 1901. <p“What's greater than celebrating London? What could be better than acknowledging our remarkable history over these past 200 years?” said James Stewart Reaney, president of LMHS. ”We’re thrilled that the city recognizes London’s bicentennial and feels honored to partner in those celebrations.” The significance of honoring London’s past can’t be understated according to Reaney; it holds fascinating stories full of rich information about its history. “We’re excited about collaborating with various groups including the London Black Heritage Council and Nature London to create something called Forest City Facts,” Reaney stated.Other upcoming activities include a trivia night at Museum London set for January 29-a fun event both Reaney and Armistead eagerly anticipate.
If you want more details about all planned happenings visit our City website.
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