Photo © Jonathan Evans
The annual Honda Celebration of Light Vancouver fireworks festival kicks off this Saturday, July 26, with a performance by the United States. Beginning at 10pm, rain or shine, the shebang lasts 25 minutes and is launched from the barges in English Bay.
While ideal spots to watch are downtown from Sunset Beach or English Bay, Kitsilano Beach is always packed and offers a respectable view. Big crowds, some extra foods carts, and nearby bars for after show drinks help make our neighbourhood an sweet spot from which to view the show. The music simulcast can be heard on SHORE 104.3 and on the festival’s mobile app, or you can settle in at the Kitsilano Showboat, which will also be playing the music and offering seating from a great vantage point.
Teams from France and Japan perform on Wednesday, July 30 and Saturday, August 2 respectively, and the winner will be announced on August 4. The competition is judged by a panel on the basis of five criteria: general concept, colour, originality, quality of production, and correlation of music. The public also has a say though, through voting on the festival’s website and mobile app.
This will be the 24th annual Celebration of Light, a festival that is not only one of the biggest events in Vancouver’s summer, but also is the largest offshore fireworks competition in the world, attracting up to 400,000 spectators each evening. It is a must for your summer to do list. Pack a picnic and get to the beach early to secure the best spot.
Last modified: July 24, 2014
