Apparently, Londoners are loving Sunfest in record numbers.

“It’s growing so fast, tremendously, and we have to be prepared for that each year,” said Alfredo Craxaj, artistic and executive director of the international music and arts festival at Victoria Park.

“The best generators of traffic seem to be those who were first-timers the year before. They are so impressed that they come back for more and bring family and friends along with them."
 
Perhaps the biggest draw of the festival is that it remains an admission-free event. Craxaj says many of the artists who perform at Sunfest could headline other places. If a fan wanted to see a particular group in concert anywhere else, they might have to pay for a ticket.
 
He says Sunfest is able to remain a free event due to the government funding, sponsorship and donations, although Craxaj says the amount of donations never reflect the number of people who walk through the park.
 
He says people assume the City of London pays to put Sunfest on, but that’s not the case.

“One of the lowest contributions we receive is from the City of London,” Craxaj says.
 
Craxaj has been helping to fund Sunfest since 1995 and says he’s enjoyed the past 17 years. “We’ve overcome many barriers and accomplished so many things that truly have made this festival such a unique celebration," he said.

"This festival reflects what Canada is all about.”