It was an election campaign-style stop in London for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
He opened the 25th annual Sunfest in Victoria Park Thursday night, telling the massive crowd the festival "showcases the best of London, the best of Canada in its diversity."
The area around the downtown park's bandshell was a sea of people, who braved the heat and humidity to hear the prime minister's remarks, which came just before 7 p.m.
While many cheered when Trudeau, joined by London area Liberal MPs Peter Fragiskatos and MP Kate Young, took the stage, others waived homemade placards. The signs had messages such as "The climate is changing, why aren't we," "Planet over profit" and "Stop colonialism at home, stop imperialism abroad."
Trudeau chastised those who booed when local singer Denise Pelley sang O Canada.
"Please don’t boo our national anthem," Trudeau said to the crowd.
He also offered praise to Sunfest founder Alfredo Caxaj for his work organizing the four-day, multi-cultural festival.
“Pulling together this extraordinary event, year after year, growing it to the incredible success that it is now, is the work of an incredible visionary in Alfredo," said Trudeau. "But it’s also the work of hundreds of volunteers who believe deeply in this."
Following his remarks at Sunfest, Trudeau went on to a Liberal fundraiser to deliver a speech. The prime minister touted his government's record over his first term, touching on the economy, jobs, and the environment.
He did not take questions from reporters.
Politicians and political hopefuls will soon enter campaign season, as the next federal election is October 21.
