Latest news with #HondaCelebrationofLight
The Province
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Province
Honda Celebration of Light 2025: What to know about dates, tickets and more
The Honda Celebration of Light is back in 2025 for its 33rd year and there is plenty to celebrate The fireworks display from team USA Disney at the Honda celebration of light at English Bay, Vancouver, July 30, 2016. Photo by Gerry Kahrmann / PNG It's time to let your Canadian pride shine bright for all to see. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. 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Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The Honda Celebration of Light is back in 2025 for its 33rd year and this summer, it'll pit three Canadian teams against each other in a showcase of what makes our country shine. The annual summer tradition takes place in the skies above Vancouver's English Bay, with more than 400,000 people watching on in awe. Of those, more than 200,000 visit from outside Vancouver to take in the event, which generates more than $265 million in tourism and hospitality spending annually. Michael McKnight, co-chairperson of the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society, said the all-Canadian lineup is meant to build on the recent movement of Canadians standing strong against the U.S. 'The last several months have proven to be a challenging period for our great nation. However, the circumstances have also contributed to a wave of nationalism that is unprecedented,' he said. 'It's in that spirit that we are wrapping our 2025 event in the Canadian flag and celebrating everything that is great about this country.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Organizers for the event had also previously expressed concerns over the future of the event, citing the loss of two major sponsors and a lack of federal funding. However, the VFFS has much to celebrate, with the continued sponsorship of Honda, Concord Pacific, Tymac Launch Service, the province, the city and the park board this year. Destination Vancouver, the West End Business Improvement Association, and other partners have also increased their funding for the event in 2025. Read on for everything you need to know about this year's event: When is the 2025 Honda Celebration of Light? This year, the event will take place over three nights: • Saturday, July 19: Team Yukon — Midnight Sun Fireworks • Wednesday, July 23: Team Quebec — Royal Pyrotechnie • Saturday, July 26: Team Nova Scotia — Fireworks FX On each of those nights, the show will begin around 10:15 p.m., with music simulcasts being broadcast on CFMI Rock 101. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The winning team will be announced the week following the final team's display. Where does the Celebration of Light take place and where can I watch the show? The free event takes place in the skies over English Bay in downtown Vancouver's West End neighbourhood. While the English Bay area is where most of the event festivities are located, you can also enjoy the show from across the water, at beaches or shoreside parks in Kitsilano as well — so long as you have a glimpse of the sky above the fireworks barge, which is anchored in English Bay. If you're not wanting to jostle for a free spot on the beach and don't want to camp out all day, you can buy ticketed seating in one of three reserved grandstand areas for the event, which provides exclusive VIP and family-friendly seating and viewing. There are two ticketed areas for the event, on each of the three nights: This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. • Inukshuk Point: This reserved seating area is located at the Inukshuk peninsula overlooking the bay, offering the closest viewing position to the fireworks and will have food and beverage options nearby. Tickets for 2025's event are $219 each plus service charges and taxes. • Concord Pacific Grandstand: This year's expanded grandstand seating offers elevated and direct view of the fireworks barges and would suit visitors, families or groups. Tickets are $59 each plus services charges and taxes. Tickets for each of the two viewing areas can be purchased online at Pre-sales start Thursday, May 8 at 11 a.m., while public sales will start Friday, May 9 at 9 a.m. Private VIP cabanas and larger group hosting patio spaces are also available to rent. The pre-sale passwords are SUN25HCOL or PROVINCE25HCOL. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Sign up for presale access online here. What teams are participating in this year's Celebration of Light? This year, instead of showcasing three countries, the event will feature three Canadian teams hailing from across Canada. Check out the team bios below, provided by the Honda Celebration of Light team. • Saturday, July 19: Team Yukon — Midnight Sun Fireworks • Wednesday, July 23: Team Quebec — Royal Pyrotechnie • Saturday, July 26: Team Nova Scotia — Fireworks FX Team Yukon's Midnight Sun Fireworks will perform on Saturday, July 19. 'Returning HCOL Champions of 2022 — Midnight Sun Fireworks is an award-winning team of volunteer pyrotechnicians from the Yukon, known for their unique and imaginative fireworks displays. With the sky as their canvas, they create breathtaking shows filled with colour, joy, and emotion. Every performance is a testament to their deep passion for the art of pyro-musical design, where light, sound, and creativity dance together in perfect harmony.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Team Quebec's Royal Pyrotechnie will perform on Wednesday, July 23. 'Royal Pyrotechnie, celestial artisans since 1966, presents more than 500 fireworks shows each year. As a leading importer of pyrotechnic products in Canada, they distribute both family and professional fireworks from coast to coast. Their celestial artisans are passionate individuals who pour their hearts into their craft. Thanks to their experience and expertise, Royal Pyrotechnie has earned international recognition and is proud to represent Canada.' Team Nova Scotia's Fireworks FX will perform on Saturday, July 26. 'Fireworks FX is one of Canada's leading fireworks companies and has been helping Canadians celebrate for over 40 years. Based in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley, with operations also in Barbados, FX has lit up skies across Canada, the Caribbean, and around the world — from Japan to Turkmenistan. Doing fireworks displays in exotic locations is exciting but nothing tops wowing hometown audiences right here in Canada, GO Canada!' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Canada's iconic Snowbirds will take to the skies. The Royal Canadian Airforce's 431 Air Demonstration Squadron will take to the skies on July 19 and 23 as pre-show entertainment. The squad, more commonly known as Canada's iconic Snowbirds, will perform fast-turning twists and manoeuvres in the skies over English Bay. Electric drone show to return. After debuting last year, an electric drone show sponsored by B.C. Honda Dealers is also set to return for the Celebration of Light. Around 10 p.m. each night of the festival, drones will take to the skies to entertain with a choreographed display. What else is new this year? One lucky family will win the chance to help choose the winning team. Concord Pacific, which has sponsored the event for 25 years, will be giving up its judging position this year to one lucky Metro Vancouver family (with at least one child between the ages of 6 to 12). A jury draw will be held to select one family to experience a VIP treatment and to sit alongside other event judges and help pick the winner of this year's event. Food, beverage and a barge tour will be included for the winner. Visit to enter. sip@ Read More Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks National Columnists Local News
Vancouver Sun
08-05-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Honda Celebration of Light 2025: What to know about dates, tickets and more
It's time to let your Canadian pride shine bright for all to see. The Honda Celebration of Light is back in 2025 for its 33rd year and this summer, it'll pit three Canadian teams against each other in a showcase of what makes our country shine. The annual summer tradition takes place in the skies above Vancouver's English Bay, with more than 400,000 people watching on in awe. Of those, more than 200,000 visit from outside Vancouver to take in the event, which generates more than $265 million in tourism and hospitality spending annually. Michael McKnight, co-chairperson of the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society, said the all-Canadian lineup is meant to build on the recent movement of Canadians standing strong against the U.S. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'The last several months have proven to be a challenging period for our great nation. However, the circumstances have also contributed to a wave of nationalism that is unprecedented,' he said. 'It's in that spirit that we are wrapping our 2025 event in the Canadian flag and celebrating everything that is great about this country.' Organizers for the event had also previously expressed concerns over the future of the event, citing the loss of two major sponsors and a lack of federal funding. However, the VFFS has much to celebrate, with the continued sponsorship of Honda, Concord Pacific, Tymac Launch Service, the province, the city and the park board this year. Destination Vancouver, the West End Business Improvement Association, and other partners have also increased their funding for the event in 2025. Read on for everything you need to know about this year's event: This year, the event will take place over three nights: • Saturday, July 19: Team Yukon — Midnight Sun Fireworks • Wednesday, July 23: Team Quebec — Royal Pyrotechnie • Saturday, July 26: Team Nova Scotia — Fireworks FX On each of those nights, the show will begin around 10:15 p.m., with music simulcasts being broadcast on CFMI Rock 101. The winning team will be announced the week following the final team's display. The free event takes place in the skies over English Bay in downtown Vancouver's West End neighbourhood. While the English Bay area is where most of the event festivities are located, you can also enjoy the show from across the water, at beaches or shoreside parks in Kitsilano as well — so long as you have a glimpse of the sky above the fireworks barge, which is anchored in English Bay. If you're not wanting to jostle for a free spot on the beach and don't want to camp out all day, you can buy ticketed seating in one of three reserved grandstand areas for the event, which provides exclusive VIP and family-friendly seating and viewing. There are two ticketed areas for the event, on each of the three nights: • Inukshuk Point: This reserved seating area is located at the Inukshuk peninsula overlooking the bay, offering the closest viewing position to the fireworks and will have food and beverage options nearby. Tickets for 2025's event are $219 each plus service charges and taxes. • Concord Pacific Grandstand: This year's expanded grandstand seating offers elevated and direct view of the fireworks barges and would suit visitors, families or groups. Tickets are $59 each plus services charges and taxes. Tickets for each of the two viewing areas can be purchased online at . Pre-sales start Thursday, May 8 at 11 a.m., while public sales will start Friday, May 9 at 9 a.m. Private VIP cabanas and larger group hosting patio spaces are also available to rent. The pre-sale passwords are SUN25HCOL or PROVINCE25HCOL. Sign up for presale access online here . This year, instead of showcasing three countries, the event will feature three Canadian teams hailing from across Canada. Check out the team bios below, provided by the Honda Celebration of Light team. • Saturday, July 19: Team Yukon — Midnight Sun Fireworks • Wednesday, July 23: Team Quebec — Royal Pyrotechnie • Saturday, July 26: Team Nova Scotia — Fireworks FX Team Yukon's Midnight Sun Fireworks will perform on Saturday, July 19. 'Returning HCOL Champions of 2022 — Midnight Sun Fireworks is an award-winning team of volunteer pyrotechnicians from the Yukon, known for their unique and imaginative fireworks displays. With the sky as their canvas, they create breathtaking shows filled with colour, joy, and emotion. Every performance is a testament to their deep passion for the art of pyro-musical design, where light, sound, and creativity dance together in perfect harmony.' Team Quebec's Royal Pyrotechnie will perform on Wednesday, July 23. 'Royal Pyrotechnie, celestial artisans since 1966, presents more than 500 fireworks shows each year. As a leading importer of pyrotechnic products in Canada, they distribute both family and professional fireworks from coast to coast. Their celestial artisans are passionate individuals who pour their hearts into their craft. Thanks to their experience and expertise, Royal Pyrotechnie has earned international recognition and is proud to represent Canada.' Team Nova Scotia's Fireworks FX will perform on Saturday, July 26. 'Fireworks FX is one of Canada's leading fireworks companies and has been helping Canadians celebrate for over 40 years. Based in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley, with operations also in Barbados, FX has lit up skies across Canada, the Caribbean, and around the world — from Japan to Turkmenistan. Doing fireworks displays in exotic locations is exciting but nothing tops wowing hometown audiences right here in Canada, GO Canada!' Canada's iconic Snowbirds will take to the skies. The Royal Canadian Airforce's 431 Air Demonstration Squadron will take to the skies on July 19 and 23 as pre-show entertainment. The squad, more commonly known as Canada's iconic Snowbirds, will perform fast-turning twists and manoeuvres in the skies over English Bay. Electric drone show to return. After debuting last year, an electric drone show sponsored by B.C. Honda Dealers is also set to return for the Celebration of Light. Around 10 p.m. each night of the festival, drones will take to the skies to entertain with a choreographed display. One lucky family will win the chance to help choose the winning team. Concord Pacific, which has sponsored the event for 25 years, will be giving up its judging position this year to one lucky Metro Vancouver family (with at least one child between the ages of 6 to 12). A jury draw will be held to select one family to experience a VIP treatment and to sit alongside other event judges and help pick the winner of this year's event. Food, beverage and a barge tour will be included for the winner. Visit to enter. sip@
CBC
23-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
B.C. event organizers make urgent call for renewal of provincial festival fund
Event organizers in British Columbia are urging the provincial government to renew funding for fairs, festivals, and cultural events, warning that without immediate support, some of the province's biggest summer attractions could shrink — or disappear altogether. More than two dozen organizers signed an open letter addressed to Premier David Eby and Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Spencer Chandra Herbert, calling for the renewal of the B.C. Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund (BCFFE) or a suitable replacement. The fund, introduced in 2021 to help events restart after pandemic restrictions, has not been renewed since its last application process closed in 2024. The funding covered as much as 20 per cent of an event's total budget, up to a maximum of $250,000, and organizations that put on multiple, separate events were eligible for up to $500,000. 'On thin ice' Scott Gurney, owner of 17 Black Events and organizer of Brewery and the Beast, says the festival sector is still reeling from the impacts of COVID-19. "The sector hasn't recovered at all. It's still on thin ice, and we're just barely keeping our heads above water," he said. Gurney says increasing ticket prices to cover costs would discourage attendance, especially given the increased cost of living. He also notes that for many popular events, like the Honda Celebration of Light and Italian Day on Commercial Drive, which remain free to attend, increasing ticket prices isn't even an option. The cyclical nature of the events industry makes it hard for organizers to adjust to economic challenges compared to businesses that operate year-round, Gurney says. "Places that are open 365 days a year have an opportunity to gradually increase their prices and absorb the difficulties," he added. "But some events operate once or twice a year, and you really only get one shot in a 12-month period to do business." "Without a replacement fund or some sort of long-term sustainable funding, we can 100 per cent expect more closures." Some of the other festivals that signed the letter include the Children's Festival, Bass Coast, Bard on the Beach, Pacific National Exhibition (PNE), Just for Laughs, FVDED in the Park, Honda Celebration of Light, Rifflandia and PuSh. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Mural Festival announced its closure last month due to funding shortfalls, and some like the PNE are already considering programming cuts. Rising costs and economic impact PNE president and CEO Shelly Frost says organizers are facing significant financial constraints. "Coming out of COVID, and especially with the threat of tariffs, the cost of everything has skyrocketed. The cost of talent, suppliers, infrastructure, setup and teardown—those costs are really significant," Frost said. The PNE generates more than $200 million annually for B.C.'s economy and employs about 4,000 people during its annual August fair alone, Frost said. "Cost constraints are significant and so we are looking at areas that can be scaled back," she said. "Obviously, that's not a place where any of us want to be." Frost says local events need support now more than ever, especially as cross-border tensions push British Columbians to promote homegrown festivals. According to government data, B.C.'s arts, culture and heritage sector contributed more than $8.6 billion to the province's annual GDP in 2021 and employs over 150,000 B.C. residents. Call for long-term stability Claire Sakaki, executive director of Bard on the Beach, an outdoor Shakespeare festival that has been running for 37 years, says the BCFFE program has been a "lifesaver" and its renewal is essential for organizations like hers. "We are hoping that fund will continue. It has helped over 1,100 arts and cultural organizations throughout the province," she said. Some festival organizations, including Bard, receive annual operational funding from the province and federal government outside of the BCFFE. But for Bard, Sakaki said the operational funding only contributes about four per cent of their budget. Vancouver Coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung is also joining the call, urging the province to establish a stable, long-term funding model. "If we lose those festivals, we really lose a lot of the heart of our city," she said. "This isn't just about one festival, this is playing out across the board," she said. During the 2024 provincial election campaign, the B.C. NDP pledged to provide stable, year-over-year funding for fairs, festivals and events. In a statement, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport acknowledged the concerns raised in the event organizers' open letter and reiterated its commitment to supporting events across the province. "Given uncertainty in the current economic and fiscal context, all ministries are reviewing existing programs with a focus on ensuring that public dollars are used to ensure programs remain relevant, are efficient, protect services, and grow the economy." The BCFFE has provided nearly $80 million since it was introduced in 2021, post-pandemic, according to the ministry.
