New tech at Rock the Park reduces noise for nearby residents

Those living in and around the downtown area may have noticed that they are no longer hearing a free Rock the Park concert from the comfort of their own home. 

The city is using new technology to reduce the amount of noise that travels beyond the Harris Park grounds, following ongoing feedback from neighbouring communities about the annual festival.

It's called cardioid technology, according to City of London special events manager Trevor Johnson, and it helps focus the sound of the music towards the centre of the festival grounds.

"There are other frequencies that are used – similar to noise reduction in your headphones – to try to reduce and shape that sound so that it is heard most loudly by the folks who are wanting to enjoy the concert and is reduced significantly for individuals outside of that," Johnson said. 

The strategy is new for London, which is implementing it after changes were made to the city's special events policy in December 2024 based on community feedback to reduce noise. 

This summer, the cardioid technology has been used at both Sunfest and Rock the Park for the first time.

"This year, it's better. It's just right and listenable here," said Daphne Bice, whose back porch faces Harris Park.

"We are noticing things aren't rattling on the shelves and the windows aren't rattling. We can enjoy the pleasant sound of it when we're outside and when we shut the door to the house, it doesn't come through the walls," she said. 

During the festival, Johnson, his team, and municipal law enforcement officers set up at different locations around the downtown area to measure the sound levels for 15 minute periods. They then take the average of those measurements to ensure that the average volume does not go over the 90 decibel maximum imposed by the city.

"So far, we've been very pleased with the results that we're getting," he said, adding that some nearby areas are now only hearing about 75 decibels each night.  

Others living in the Blackfriars neighbourhood have mixed opinions about whether the festival's new approach has made a difference.

"I find I'll hear it a little bit, but honestly it's been good this year," longtime resident Darren Carton said. "I don't really notice it that much. It'll just be kind of like background noise to me."

Bianca Moreno and Amaranth Perez, who live two blocks away from Harris Park, say they think the music volume is about the same as previous years. 

"I won't normally hear it if I'm inside, but outside, I hear it like I'm close to the park," Perez said, adding that she is a music fan so doesn't mind. 

Johnson said the city is open to hearing feedback from Londoners who have ongoing concerns about the noise levels at music events.

Meanwhile, those inside the festival grounds should not notice a volume difference, Johnson said.

"It's really our goal to find the best balance between the needs of residents who enjoy large events, the residents who pay money to come to Rock the Park and those who have some concerns," he said.