2012 Honda Vancouver Celebration of Light – July 28, August 1, August 4, 2012 (Video & Photos)
The Celebration of Light is not only Vancouver’s biggest event, but it’s also the largest offshore fireworks competition in the world and attracts up to 400,000 spectators along English Bay each evening. Owned by the Not For Profit Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society, 2012 marks the 22nd consecutive year of the event, which contributes in excess of $39 million in incremental tourism and hospitality spending each year.
The 2012 event will see three new and unique countries competing over three nights on July 28th with Vietnam competing in its first international competition outside its home country, August 1st with Brazil and August 4th with Italy vying for the coveted winning title. All shows start at 10PM.
2012 Schedule
Saturday July 28th
10:00 – 10:25PM
Vietnam Fireworks Show (Video & Photo Gallery)
Wednesday August 1st
10:00 – 10:25PM
Brazil Fireworks Show (Video & Photo Gallery)
Saturday August 4th
10:00 – 10:25PM
Italy Fireworks Show (Video & Photo Gallery)
This will be the first time any of these countries have participated in what is the World’s largest offshore international fireworks competition. Expect to see something a little different with each country not only preparing the fireworks but choosing the soundtrack to their performance also.
Head down to Sunset Beach before each show to experience more of the culture of each performing country on their specific day – and while you’re there check out the great line-up of music at Shorefest and visit the Honda Zone!
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach will host a wealth of activities for Celebration of Light fans to get involved in prior to the Firework show. This area will be the central hub for cultural celebrations, music performances, sporting activities, vendors and concessions. Festivities will begin a 2PM on each day of the Fireworks: July 28th, August 1st, August 4th.
Cultural Celebrations
On each night of the Fireworks, there will be cultural programming corresponding with the each of the competing countries: Vietnam (featuring performances by V3 and SEACHS), Brazil (featuruing performances by Ache Brazil and Groupo Americo) and Italy (featuring performances by the Italian Dance Troupe). Come down to Sunset Beach for dancing, on-stage performances, and unique enactments for an authentic cultural showcasing of each participating country.
Sporting Activities
Urban Rec will be hosting a major volleyball tournament at Sunset Beach on July 28th and August 4th, allowing the unique opportunity to play Coed 4 on 4 volleyball in the heart of the action at this year’s Honda Celebration of Light.
NBA 3X
On Saturday July 28th (and Sunday July 29th) NBA 3X will be hosted at Sunset Beach bringing some of the top NBA stars to Vancouver and giving kids of all ages the opportunity to participate in 3 on 3 basketball tournaments.
NBA star Eric Gordon will be appearing on Saturday July 28th! Head down to Sunset Beach from 3:00 – 5:00PM for your chance to meet this basketball superstar!
Festival goers can sign up to play 3 on 3 basketball and enjoy the Slam Dunk Contest, on-site DJs, graffiti artists and break dancers while hanging out with NBA players, mascots and dancers!
Music Performances
On each day of the Celebration of Light, SHOREfest (presented by Shore 104.3FM) will host four bands on The Rogue Stage at Sunset Beach. Performances will start at 2PM, so be sure to bring your picnic blankets and head down for some great performances. This year’s lineup presented by Shore 104 features artists like Canadian icon Joel Plaskett, the Great Lake Swimmers and The Be Good Tanyas performing on The Rogue Stage at Sunset Beach. All performances are free to watch with programming starting as early as 2pm.
Rogue Stage at Sunset Beach
Shore 104 FM and Rogue Folk Club will be bringing you music and cultural entertainment on our Sunset Beach stage from 2PM each day of the Fireworks. Featuring some of Canada’s top Folk, Roots, and Blues bands bring your blanket down and settle in to an afternoon of awesome tunes in the Park.
Saturday July 28
Rogue Stage Sunset Beach
2:00 – 2:40 Oliver Swain
3:00 – 3:40 Headwater
4:00 – 4:40 Harry Manx
5:00 – 5:45 Barney Bentall
6:15 – 7:00 V3 and SEACHS
7:30 – 8:15 Jim Byrnes and Steve Dawson
10:00 Vietnam Fireworks Show (Video & Photo Gallery)
Wednesday August 1
Rogue Stage Sunset Beach
4:00 – 4:40 The Breakmen
5:00 – 5:40 Dustin Bentall and Kendel Carson
6:00 – 6:30 Ache Brasil
6:35 – 7:00 Grupo America
7:30 – 8:15 The Be Good Tanyas
10:00 Brazil Fireworks Show (Video & Photo Gallery)
Saturday August 4
Rogue Stage Sunset Beach
1:00 – 1:30 Famee Furlane Balletto
2:00 – 2:40 Bocephus King
3:00 – 3:40 Partick Brealey
4:00 – 4:40 Viper Central
5:00 – 5:40 Cousin Harley
5:50 – 6:10 Patrizia Colletta
6:30 – 7:15 Joel Plaskett
7:30 – 8:15 Great Lake Swimmers
10:00 Italy Fireworks Show (Video & Photo Gallery)
Festival Map
Image: David Lin [Dvdlin]
For more information, please visit: http://hondacelebrationoflight.com
