Rock the Park among several London outdoor events cancelled amid air quality concerns
The Rock the Park music festival in London, Ontario, was cancelled early due to hazardous air quality caused by wildfire smoke. Organizers prioritized the health and safety of attendees and staff after consulting with local officials.
Why it matters
Increasingly frequent wildfire smoke events are disrupting public events and highlighting the growing impact of climate change on community life.
"Sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, the smoke conditions have continued to worsen throughout the day," organizers said in a Facebook post.
"After ongoing discussions with our artists, city officials, emergency services, and medical officials, we have made the difficult decision to cancel tonight’s show."
Wildfire smoke keeps London under air quality warning as Rock the Park ends early
The four-day music festival at Harris Park ended early Wednesday evening, cancelling the headlining performance by The Lumineers on its first day, after the City of London advised outdoor activities be cancelled because of deteriorating air quality.
Country artist Tucker Wetmore's tour trailer sits outside the Rock the Park grounds hours before the second day of the festival got cancelled. (Alessio Donnini/CBC News) Friends Lauren Hartman, Isla MacDougald and Kaley Squire said they were walking toward Harris Park when they learned about the cancellation.
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