About Island Fest London

Est. Aug 2022 —

Island Fest London was born out of a vision to bring the warmth, vibrancy, and unity of the Caribbean to the heart of Southwestern Ontario.

Crowd of people gathering in an outdoor urban space with tents, trees, and tall buildings in the background on a partly cloudy day.

Our goal has always been simple yet powerful — to build and foster a Caribbean community right here in London, Ontario, while welcoming everyone who wishes to explore and embrace Caribbean culture.

Our story

Our journey began with the inaugural Island Fest on July 29–30, 2023, a two-day celebration filled with music, dance, food, and storytelling that brought together people from all walks of life. The overwhelmingly positive response made one thing clear — the community was ready for a space that celebrates Caribbean heritage in all its forms.

To solidify our presence and deepen our impact, Island Fest London officially became a registered non-profit organization on February 1, 2024. Our mission goes beyond hosting a festival; we exist to celebrate and promote all elements of Caribbean culture, from the rhythms of calypso and reggae to the rich stories of resilience and joy passed down through generations.

An African American woman and young girl at an outdoor event. The woman is wearing colorful sunglasses and a strapless dress with yellow, black, and green patterns, and has a black quilted handbag. The girl is face painted with purple and white designs, wearing a matching dress, and waving at the camera. There are tents and people in the background, with a cityscape of tall buildings.

Island Fest London is not just for those of Caribbean descent, but for anyone with a passion for learning, exploring, and celebrating the culture. We proudly highlight Caribbean-owned businesses, support local artists and entertainers, and create meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange and education throughout the year.

Group of people dancing outdoors at a festival or street event, with a woman holding a microphone in front, and an audience watching in the background.

As we continue to grow, Island Fest London remains rooted in community, culture, and connection — building bridges between the Caribbean and Canada, one celebration at a time.

Our mission

To promote Caribbean culture through community celebration, education, and engagement across London and Southwestern Ontario.

Our vision

To foster a connected and inclusive community where Caribbean culture is celebrated, understood, and embraced by all.

What we do

Host Cultural Events

We bring the community together with music, food, dance, and art that reflect the diverse traditions of the Caribbean.

Support Local Talent & Businesses

We showcase Caribbean-owned businesses, local performers, chefs, artisans, and entrepreneurs.

Promote Cultural Education

 We create opportunities for people of all backgrounds to learn about the history, heritage, and contributions of the Caribbean through storytelling, workshops, and interactive experiences.

Empower Youth

We provide meaningful volunteer roles and creative outlets that inspire the next generation to connect with culture and community.

Whether you're reconnecting with your roots or discovering Caribbean culture for the first time, Island Fest London is your invitation to celebrate, learn, and belong.

Meet the Team

  • A smiling woman with long brown hair and hoop earrings, standing in front of a chalkboard menu with prices.

    Wendy Rice-Bhagwandeen

    VENDOR/OPERATIONS COORDINATOR & TREASURER

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  • A woman smiling and wearing a black Island logo t-shirt with a palm tree and ocean graphic, standing in front of a chalkboard with handwritten prices and menu items.

    Mya Sponseller

    SPONSORSHIP & COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR

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  • A woman smiling, wearing a black tank top with an Island Fest London logo, standing in front of a chalkboard menu with drink prices.

    Cherie Leslie

    MARKETING COORDINATOR

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  • A smiling woman with short, curly, reddish-brown hair standing in front of a chalkboard menu. She is wearing a black T-shirt with a colorful island graphic and the words "Island Fest London." The chalkboard behind her lists food and drink prices in colorful chalk.

    Troy Townsend

    EDUCATION & CULTURE COORDINATOR

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  • A smiling man with a beard and dark skin wearing a black T-shirt with an Island Fest London logo, standing in front of a chalkboard menu at a bar or restaurant.

    Chad Wickham

    ENTERTAINMENT COORDINATOR & TREASURER

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  • Smiling man with gray hair and beard wearing a black t-shirt with a tropical island graphic. In the background, a blackboard displays menu or wine list items.

    Arun Bhagwandeen

    ENTERTAINMENT & EDUCATION COORDINATOR

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    Omar Smith

    HOSPITALITY COORDINATOR

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  • A man wearing a blue knit beanie and black T-shirt with a colorful island graphic, standing in front of a chalkboard with menu items written in colorful chalk.

    Roger Laborde

    VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

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Our core values

  • We honour and celebrate the richness, resilience, and diversity of Caribbean heritage in all its forms.

  • We welcome and embrace people of all backgrounds, creating space for shared learning, respect, and cultural exchange.

  • We build strong connections by supporting local businesses, artists, and community members through meaningful partnerships and participation.

  • We promote understanding of Caribbean history, traditions, and contributions through immersive, educational, and interactive experiences.

  • We invest in the next generation by providing opportunities for leadership, creativity, and cultural exploration.

  • We remain true to the spirit and stories of the Caribbean, ensuring our programming and partnerships reflect the real voices and experiences of the culture.

  • We believe in the power of celebration to bring people together, break barriers, and build lasting community bonds.

Get in touch with us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!