Ontario Investing in 5 Festivals and Events in Thamesville and London

Funding will help attract visitors and strengthen the local economy

NEWS

LONDON – Ontario is investing $380,000 through the 2026 Experience Ontario program to support 5 festivals and events in London and the surrounding area. This is part of a more than $20 million government investment to help municipalities and event organizers deliver high-quality programming and experiences for people of all ages.

“From Ontario’s charming small towns to its dazzling urban centres, festivals and events bring people together, create lasting memories and showcase the best of our communities,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “As we work to protect Ontario, these homegrown experiences play a vital role in celebrating our shared identity, bolstering main street businesses and ensuring our province remains a place people are inspired to explore — and proud to call home.”

Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, announced today that the following local events are receiving funding support:

• $20,000 for Thamesville Threshing Festival
• $55,000 for Sunfest ’26 Global Music & Jazz Festival
• $125,000 for The Grand Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol”
• $125,000 for Rock the Park
• $55,000 for Forest City Film Festival

In total, Experience Ontario 2026 is supporting nearly festivals and events of all sizes across the province, strengthening tourism and supporting local economies while celebrating the people, places and traditions that make Ontario unique.

“Festivals and cultural events are a major part of what makes our region such a great place to live and visit. They bring communities together, support local businesses, and showcase the talent and creativity we have right here in Southwestern Ontario. I’m proud that our government is supporting these events through Experience Ontario so they can continue to grow, attract visitors, and strengthen our local economy,” said Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton–Kent–Middlesex.

“This generous $20,000 from the Experience Ontario program is a remarkable opportunity for the Thamesville Threshing Festival. It will allow us to expand our events and engage more deeply with our community, celebrating our local culture and traditions. Importantly, it also enables us to implement more eco-friendly and sustainable practices and enhance park maintenance, ensuring the festival’s positive impact for years to come,” Adrianna McKeon, Director and Grant Coordinator at Thamesville Threshing Festival Inc.

QUICK FACTS

• Since 2018, the Experience Ontario program (formerly known as Reconnect Ontario and Celebrate Ontario) has supported more than 2,700 Ontario festivals and events.
• The government also supports festivals and events through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, which provides eligible organizations with funding for marketing and promotional costs.

• Tourism plays a critical role in the Ontario economy: in 2024, visitors to Ontario spent $33 billion and supported more than 300,000 jobs.

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