Competing teams from Japan, the U.K. and Canada set to light up the skies above Metro Vancouver for the 27th annual Honda Celebration of Light Three full days of immersive programming on offer to festivalgoers,
July 29th, August 2nd and August 5thVancouver, B.C. – The spectacular energy of the Honda Celebration of Light returns for its 27th year on the shores of English Bay, with a thrilling line-up for this year’s festival, featuring Japan, the United Kingdom and home team Canada. The three teams are set to take to the skies on Sat. July 29th, Wed. August 2nd and Sat. August 5th, respectively, in the world’s longest running offshore fireworks competition.
This year, organizers are proud to participate in Canada’s 150th birthday with a limited run online contest in the lead-up to the festival, as well as a brand-new focus on live musical entertainment that celebrates our country’s heritage, where Vancouverites can spend their afternoons soaking in the sun with thousands of fellow festivalgoers, listening to energetic and soulful live musical performances.
“The Honda Celebration of Light sparks togetherness and celebrates the spirit of our city as Vancouver’s premier event,” said Paul Tilbury, Co-Chair of the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society.
Premier Christy Clark said: “In Vancouver, we’re used to welcoming the world, because this is where the world wants to be. Every year, one of the most spectacular highlights – literally – is the Honda Celebration of Light. It’s a great show, a major draw for tourists, and an important economic driver. I can’t think of a better or more appropriate way to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.”
“With over 1 Million spectators last year, the Honda Celebration of Light continues to be one of our best-known and most popular summer festivals,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “Celebrating 27 years in Vancouver, this signature summer event showcases our city on the world stage and is a huge boost to our vibrant local economy.”
“More than just breathtaking fireworks, we celebrate music, food and culture through our full-day of activities leading up the big show at 10PM. This truly is a celebration that lights up our region,” added Heather Owen, Co-Chair.
Teams
July 29th: AKARIYA Fireworks, representing Japan
August 2nd: Jubilee Fireworks, representing the United Kingdom
August 5th: Royal Pyrotechnie, representing CanadaAt promptly 10:00 p.m. each night, rain or shine, the fireworks will begin from barges located in English Bay. Music simulcast can be heard on LG 104.3 FM and through the festival’s mobile app. The winning team will be announced on August 8th.
Canada’s Song
The Honda Celebration of Light is also announcing a limited-run competition with the public that brings the city together in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday. This year, for the first time ever, participating pyro teams will each be required to include one iconic Canadian song in the musical accompaniment to their fireworks display.
How do they decide which song? That’s up to you! Festival organizers are inviting members of the public to log onto the Honda Celebration of Light Facebook page between today and April 2nd to vote for their favourite quintessentially Canadian tune. The winning song will be announced early April, and then the teams will get to work incorporating it in their performance.
Join the conversation and make your feelings known on the social channels, using the hashtag #HCOLCanadianSong.
The Keg Lounge
Looking to have a ball under the fireworks, listening to live musical performances? Once again this year, the Keg Lounge, located on the Bathhouse Roof in English Bay, offers a VIP lounge experience and great live music, brought to you by LG 104.3, featuring local and emerging talent. With unobstructed views of the fireworks, the Keg Lounge is the perfect way to treat yourself and your friends to the quintessential Vancouver experience. Tickets sell out fast so be sure to get yours early!
Limited quantity Early Bird tickets are on sale now, beginning at $159 and can be purchased at: www.HondaCelebrationofLight.com. Regular priced tickets will start at $179.
The Inukshuk Lounge
With the closest water view of the fireworks, the Inukshuk Lounge on the peninsula at English Bay is the place to be if you’re in the mood for great energy, delicious food and fantastic drinks among a discerning crowd. Features of the Lounge include: guaranteed seating, musical simulcast of the fireworks soundtrack, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar service, private washroom facilities and a laid back vibe, making it the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the beach with your friends and colleagues!
Limited Early Bird tickets are on sale now for $149 and can be purchased at: www.HondaCelebrationofLight.com. Regular priced tickets are $169.
YVR Observation Deck
The custom built bleacher-style seating of the YVR Observation Deck is situated in the heart of the action at English Bay. This all-ages licensed area offers a fun, energetic atmosphere, as well as reserved seats with a prime view of the fireworks, musical simulcast of the fireworks soundtrack, cash bar service, private washroom facilities, direct access to food service, and giveaways.
Limited Early Bird tickets are on sale now for $44 and can be purchased at www.HondaCelebrationofLight.com. Regular priced tickets are $49.
YVR Business Class Cabanas in the YVR Observation Deck
Back by popular demand, the YVR Observation Deck Business Class corporate cabanas return once more, to offer the perfect location to host guests or a private party, overlooking the spectacular energy of English Bay! Located on the concourse level, each private hosting area holds 24 guests and offers comfortable seating and complimentary appetizers. Please get in touch with us at fi*******@br************.com for more details.
Concord Pacific Seawall Challenge
Registration for this year’s Concord Pacific Seawall Challenge is now open. Families and friends can create teams and engage in fun activities along the seawall for a chance to win over $13,000 in prizes for their schools and their teams, courtesy of Concord Pacific. Click through the festival website to www.concordsocial.ca to register.
For more information and tickets visit www.HondaCelebrationofLight.com
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CelebOfLight using the hashtag: #Celeboflight and like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/CelebrationOfLight/
About the Honda Celebration of Light:
The Honda Celebration of Light is B.C.’s largest public event and the longest-running offshore fireworks competition in the world. It attracts up to 400,000 spectators along English Bay each evening. Owned and planned by the volunteer, not for profit Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society, 2017 represents the 27th consecutive year of the event, which contributes in excess of $40 million in incremental tourism and hospitality spending each year. The pyrotechnic competition is produced by Sirius Pyrotechnics, with the Honda Celebration of Light event produced by Vancouver-based brand.LIVE Management Group.