There may be few fireworks shows on the planet that can match Vancouver’s Honda Celebration of Light. This year, the event returns for another exceptional pyrotechnics display over the water. Whether you love fireworks or want to enjoy a festive summer day with family and friends, the Honda Celebration of Light is for you.
The first Honda Celebration of Light, formerly named the “Symphony of Fire,” occurred in 1990, and since then it has rapidly grown into one of the most popular international fireworks contests on the planet. The festivities are spread across three nights, and the event is formatted as a competition between three qualifying teams representing different nations who are vying to be recognized as the top fireworks display team.
This year’s Honda Celebration of Light will take place on July 22nd, July 26th, and July 29th. The fireworks can be viewed in different areas of the city, but the best views and most of the programming will be at Morton Park and the beaches along English Bay on the West End.
The three nations competing in this year’s Honda Celebration of Light are Australia on the 22nd, Mexico on the 26th, and the Philippines on the 29th. Each team has a time limit for their fireworks show, which is choreographed to music of their choosing. Spectators can tune in to the show’s music through their radios or live stream through the internet, and will have the option to vote online after the first show on the 22nd. Viewers will vote on which team had the best choreographed and executed fireworks display, then the winning team will be announced on August 2nd.
Although there can only be one winner, each team is guaranteed to put on an incredible display with new technologies and effects. This is a perfect opportunity to watch the latest innovations in fireworks.
In addition to the impressive fireworks, visitors can also enjoy a full day of family-friendly programming at the Morton Park Festival Zone before each night’s fireworks show. Each day of the Honda Celebration of Light, this park will open at 2 p.m. and have food trucks, live music, activities, and the opportunity to win exciting prizes. The Red Bull Air Show is another thrilling element of this festival. This show can be viewed from English Bay Beach and will feature a talented pilot performing awe-inspiring airplane stunts each evening before the fireworks begin.
The event is free to attend, although there are seating tickets for those who want an elevated experience. The Concord Pacific Grandstand is a bleacher-seating option that includes a private washroom and bar area. The Scotiabank Lounge, a 19+ VIP area with food, beverages, and premium panoramic views, is even more luxurious. The best seating is at Inukshuk Point, which features cuisine from the competing countries and the closest view to the fireworks displays. Tickets are sold separately for each night of the show.
