Your guide to Vancouver Celebration of Light fireworks: July 28, August 1 & August 4

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It’s the summer event everyone’s been waiting for: Vancouver Celebration of Light 2012.

During Celebration of Light, the skies over English Bay glow with pyrotechnics from the world’s largest offshore fireworks competition. For Kits residents, it’s also the time when thousands of eager folks swarm from less beachy residential hoods to our fair shores to catch a glimpse of the fireworks.

In 2012, Vietnam, Brazil and Italy are competing for the Celebration of Light title on Saturday, July 28, Wednesday, August 1, and Saturday, August 4, respectively. Fireworks kick off at 10pm sharp and last 25 minutes or so, so make sure you’ve got your viewing spot secured well before that.

Vietnam: Saturday, July 28
Brazil: Wednesday, August 1
Italy: Saturday, August 4

Where to watch?

Downtowners will be at the SHOREfest bash on Sunset Beach and in the ticketed bleacher seats at English Bay. In Kits, you’ve got a great view from Vanier Park and Kits Beach, both equipped with public restrooms for those who set up picnics/viewing parties early.

Transportation and parking

Additional Skytrain, Canada Line, and Bus service will be put into place to help with the large volume of transit users on event nights. If you plan to drive, leave plenty of time to find parking and get to a good viewing spot.

Traffic will be redirected in the Kitsilano and West End areas and you will have to plan an alternate route. If you can’t use public transport, bike or walk, try to carpool with friends and neighbours and be prepared to walk a distance from your parking spot.

Access into Kits Point will be restricted from 6:00pm on Fireworks nights.  Residents will be allowed into the area at specific access points, but must display a valid resident parking permit or recent proof of address.

There’s event pay parking available at Capers/Whole Foods underground lot as well as West 4th Avenue Safeway.

Additional fun

As usual, SHORE 104.3 is broadcasting the musical score that goes with each fireworks performance. The synchronization between score and light show is a key component in the judging and worth tuning in.

New this year, Vancouverites are invited to join in on the judging the competition. Visit the Celebration of Light website after each show to weigh in. Or use this great iOS app that gives you the schedule, will be playing the music, and allows you to vote on the display too. Thanks for sharing, Anthony!

Last modified: August 2, 2012

4 Responses to " Your guide to Vancouver Celebration of Light fireworks: July 28, August 1 & August 4 "

  1. Anthony says:

    A few additions:

    The Bike Valet will be set up at Sunset Beach if you want to bring your bike and not worry about it.

    Also, there’s a great iOS app that gives you the schedule, will be playing the music, and allows you to vote on the display too: http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/honda-celebration-light-2012/id542779072?mt=8

  2. Darren says:

    Hey, and speaking of iOS apps: If people are setting up early around the fireworks, feel free to check out our PyroTouch team, circulating around Vanier Park tomorrow. We’ll be demoing the free levels and giving away prizes!

    Download the free app and then come see us live:
    http://itunes.apple.com/app/id515776046

  3. Tricia Bright says:

    I’m glad for this useful information. After seeing first fireworks fly up to sky it was like being back to my childhood. From my point of view, it’s one of top July events in Vancouver. I didn’t fully enjoy whole show; have to look for a better seat to watch next time!

  4. Tricia Bright says:

    I’m glad for useful information like these. After seeing first fireworks fly up to sky it was like being back to my childhood. From my point of view, it’s one of top July events in Vancouver. I didn’t fully enjoy whole show; have to look for a better seat to watch next time!