Vancouver, BC – When the highly anticipated Honda Celebration of Light lights up the sky over English Bay on July 22nd, 26th, and 29th, the annual event promises a breathtaking display of fireworks, – but also a range of delicious food options and music performances -creating an unforgettable experience for all.
Morton Park, located in the heart of Vancouver, will come alive on each event day – but will be especially prominent on July 26th and July 29th, when non-stop entertainment from 2-8pm that represent the competing countries featured on those two evenings. On the 26th, attendees can enjoy a diverse array of Mexican performances in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate. Similarly, on the 29th, an exciting lineup of Filipino performances is planned, in collaboration with The Philippine Consulate, that will be sure to captivate the audience.
Performances throughout the evening are as followed:
Wednesday July 26th: Israel Kadash – Acoustic Singer Chela Tumbao – Mexican Singer El Canto de México: Antonio Nava y Gabriel Palacios – Traditional pop duet (both performers reside in Mexico. Performance is sponsored by the city of Valle de Bravo, México) Nahualli Folklore Society – Mexican Dance Ensemble Alejandra Alcántara – Christian Díaz Duet – Mexican Singers Los Caudillos del Sur – Mexican Dance Ensemble Grupo RM – Mexican Band | Saturday July 29th: Gelo Granados Band – Filipino –Canadian Band Jeremiah Mari Gan Carag – Solo Filipino performer Ms. Raquel Konrad & Band – Filipino Band Estella Banez – Solo Filipino performer |
With an abundance of activities around English Bay, appetites are bound to be stimulated with 18 featured food vendors along Beach Avenue with additional options available near Morton Park and in Vanier Park, across the water.
From gourmet hotdogs from JapaDog, to refreshing Poke from Aloha Poke, or classic mini donuts from Little Ootie’s, there will be something for any appetite – and a majority of vendors will offer vegan, vegetarian and or/gluten free options. A list of vendors along Beach Avenue includes:
Aloha Poke JapaDog Truck Little Devils Manchu Picchu Taco N’Todo The Thai Box Triple O’s | Fusion Icy Kampong Malaysian Little Ooties Moms Grilled Cheese Shameless Buns Teriyaki Express Tornado Truck |
Eventgoers watching the fireworks from the beautiful Inukshuk Point location will enjoy a special menu each night inspired by the competing country each evening – with all dishes being dairy-free. On July 22, the Australia influenced theme will include Vegan Chiko Rolls with chili sauce and potato and capsicum salad. On July 26, food items that are inspired for the performance by Team Mexico will include asado de boda, a slow-roasted pork shoulder in ancho chili, chocolate, orange & cumin, accompanied by Mexican rice, crispy tortilla, and a black bean & corn salad. Not to be outdone, the July 29 performance by The Philippines will be accompanied by grilled chicken “Inasal” with Sinangag rice, pinoy vegetable salad, and inasal sauce; this dish is prepared gluten-free.
Attendees of the Honda Celebration of Light are advised of bike lane detours and partial road closures on Beach Avenue, starting at 9 a.m. each day of the event. Restricted vehicle access for non-residents of the West End will also be in place from 7 p.m. daily.
Honda Celebration of Light attendees are encouraged to grab their loved ones and soak in a day of activities that will conclude with an evening of awe-inspiring bursts of light.
Teams
SATURDAY | JULY 22 – AUSTRALIA – Howard & Sons
Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics are leaders in pyrotechnic innovation for a reason. From producing a firework display for the opening of Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932 & the Opera House in 1973 to winning silver in the Celebration of Light in 2016, producing the highest quality fireworks in the world is what they continue to do best.
WEDNESDAY | JULY 26 – MEXICO – Grupo AVACON
Grupo AVACON has been providing the highest quality pyrotechnic shows since 2009. Their extensive experience has given Grupo AVACON the opportunity to show their talent internationally and participate in some of the most popular contests and festivals in Mexico, while also performing almost every day of the year for the best hotels and companies in the country.
SATURDAY | JULY 29 – THE PHILIPPINES – Blue Peacock
Blue Peacock Fireworks is regarded as one of The Philippines’ promising names in the pyrotechnic industry and has won more awards than all competing companies. Their team not only became part of history by culminating the 100th Philippines Independence Celebration but also was the first ever team to set up a pyro-musical show using the SkyRanch Eye, the tallest Ferris Wheel in The Philippines, so be ready for a colourful show.
Other Features
At 10:00 p.m. each night the fireworks will begin from barges located in English Bay. Music simulcast can be heard on CFMI Rock 101. The winning team will be announced on Tuesday, August 2nd.
The event also welcomes back the Red Bull Air Show, a spectacular pre-show performance happening on all three festival nights, starting at 7:40pm.
Tickets to all four viewing areas can be purchased online: www.hondacelebrationoflight.com. Subscribe HERE for access to event details and contests. To stay up to date subscribe at hondacelebrationoflight.com and follow us on Twitter and Instagram, @CelebOfLight, using the hashtag: #celeboflight and like us on Facebook.
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 the shores of English Bay each night. Owned by the volunteer, Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society, the event contributes more than $134 million in economic activity to the region each year. The Honda Celebration of Light event is produced by Vancouver-based Brandlive Management Group, in collaboration with Archangel Fireworks Inc.