For the 29th brilliant year, the Honda Celebration of Light will brighten the skies over Vancouver’s beautiful English Bay. Today the annual fireworks event revealed the competing countries and dates for the 2019 season.

The 2019 lineup will feature dazzling fireworks displays from India, Canada, and Croatia. This marks the first year both India and Croatia will perform their pyrotechnics in Vancouver for the Celebration of Light.

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The world’s longest-running offshore fireworks competition first takes to the skies on Saturday, July 27, 2019, with the debut of India’s show. Canada will follow on Wednesday, July 31, 2019, while Croatia will wrap up the three-night festival of fireworks on Saturday, August 3, 2019.

“Back for its 29th year, the Honda Celebration of Light will once again set the sky above Vancouver aglow. This event is a wonderful opportunity for families and communities to come together to enjoy three nights under the stars celebrating community and culture,” says Yuri Fulmer and Michael McKnight, co-chairs of the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society.

“It’s always a momentous occasion when hundreds of thousands of people gather in one place; especially this year with the return of team Canada, not to mention the anticipation behind what newcomers Croatia and India will present.”

Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead and take public transit or ride bicycles, and be sure to follow the “pack in, pack out” method of handling food, drinks, and garbage during the evening.

“As in past years, Park Board and City staff will clean up our beaches, parks and seawalls the morning after each firework show. We ask all visitors to our parks and beaches to use litter and recycling bins or to take their garbage home,” notes Vancouver Park Board Chair Stuart Mackinnon.

The fireworks will take place rain or shine, beginning at 10 pm each night.

Music simulcast can be heard on The Breeze 104.3 FM and through the festival’s mobile app, which will be released in early summer. The winning team will be announced on Tuesday, August 6th, 2019.

Here are the official teams:

July 27: Amir Morani Fireworks (India)

July 31: Firemaster Productions Inc. (Canada)

August 3: Mirnovec Fireworks (Croatia)

“Each and every year the Honda Celebration of Light brings so much joy and excitement to Vancouver, and there is no question that this year will be any different. With an incredible lineup of participating countries and a host of wonderful activities for the public to enjoy, the fireworks will once again be a highlight for our city this summer,” says Kennedy Stewart, Mayor of Vancouver.

“Celebrating 29 years in Vancouver, this popular summer festival is a wonderful platform to showcase our city on the world stage,” adds Stewart.

While you can certainly plot out a spot along the beach at English Bay or in Vanier Park, or find a friend with a Bay-facing West End apartment for a free show, you can also take advantage of ticketed packages to enjoy a cozier view, including special beach and park viewing areas with amenities, as well as parties held at area restaurants.

Tickets to all three viewing areas go on sale to the public on Friday, April 12. Find more info and access online here.

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