Formerly known as the Benson & Hedges Symphony of Fire, the city’s annual free fireworks tradition held over four evenings at English Bay. The largest international fireworks competition in the world starts tonight with Canada’s entry at 10pm.
2008 Schedule:
Wednesday, July 23 — Canada
Saturday, July 26 — USA
Wednesday, July 30 — China
Saturday, August 2 — Grand Finale
The biggest coolest hanging out event in the year
With an estimated attendance of 1.4 million people, the fireworks competition is the biggest event in Vancouver. Crowds gather from mid- afternoon, picnicking and hanging out in the warm evening light.
Upwards of 1,000 boats flock around the two firework barges anchored off the beach. Fire tugs entertain crowds with water cannon displays. It’s a great opportunity for people-watching and enjoying street performers, musicians and hawkers.
Transport Safety
Public transit runs special schedules on the four nights for bus, SkyTrain, Seabus, West Coast Express and West Vancouver Blue Bus. Motorists may not view fireworks from bridges: leave time to find a good viewing spot. Carpooling recommended! Lots of cyclists and pedestrians require extra vigilance. Some roads are closed in the West End and Kits Point.
Making Fire Work
The Canadian fireworks displays are regarded as the most prestigious arena to unveil the latest pyro-musical techniques, for the top fireworks manufacturers in the world. Designers take about four to six hours to synchronize the fireworks for each minute of music for a 25-minute show. Each show uses 2000 - 4500 bombs. Colours are produced with closely guarded formulae, by mixing chemicals with the gunpowder that powers the displays. Deep blue and purple are the most difficult to create, with copper compounds. Blue and green, made with barium nitrate or chlorate,are most dangerous.
Who’s Best?
Judges score each competitor by synchronization, architecture (at low, medium or high altitudes), colour, design, music and length.
Watch free from English Bay, Kitsilano, Vanier Park, Jericho Beach, or West Vancouver.
Music simulcast begins at 10:00 p.m. on radio station ROCK 101 (101.1 FM).
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I still prefer the old name. Symphony of Fire sounds much better than Celebration of Light.
All because we don’t want to advertise for Cigarette Companies
Don’t see why HSBC didn’t keep that portion of the name though.