HONDA CELEBRATION OF LIGHT 2016

WHAT: HONDA CELEBRATION OF LIGHT 2016
WHY: INTERNATIONAL FIREWORK COMPETITION
WHERE: ENGLISH BAY, VANCOUVER, CANADA
WHEN: SATURDAY 23RD JULY, WEDNESDAY 27TH JULY AND SATURDAY 30TH JULY 2016
COST: FREE. VIP SEATS ARE AVAILABLE FOR AN EXTRA FEE

First competed for in 1990, this year marks the 26th running of the event which pits the abilities of three of the top pyrotechnic teams from around the World. The organisers though do try to ensure that each year, at least one of the teams will be not have competed before adding that ‘unknown’ quality to proceedings.

The teams will be creating a 25 minute display, set and synchronised to music and will be judged by industry experts who will be marking against the following criteria:

SHOW SIZE – 10 POINTS
DESIGN AND ARTISTRY – 30 POINTS
SYNCHRONICITY – 20 POINTS
ORIGINALITY – 15 POINTS
QUALITY OF MUSIC SELECTION: 15 POINTS
QUALITY OF PYROTECHNICS – 10 POINTS

Competitors will lose points for flouting safety rules, any activities considered unprofessional and dangerous set up practices. The judges said ‘some teams are extremely flowing and magical whereas others are bombastic which is what makes role even more difficult’.

Saturday 23rd July 2016 – Royal Fireworks – Netherlands

Wednesday 27th July 2016 – Howard & Sons – Australia

Saturday 30th July 2016 – The Walt Disney Company - USA

The competition forms part of ‘Shorefest’ which is Vancouver’s largest community concert series. The event brings a staggering $37 million into the economy in tourism and hospitality alone.

On event days, there will be live music from 2pm daily and food and entertainment available to everyone. You can either watch the fireworks from the beach and surrounding area or one of the specialist areas set up.

The Keg Lounge, is closest to the music stage, a Steak House Bar and Grill which is the most popular area for VIP’s .

Sunset Beach will have fewer people about than the Beach at English Bay and you will be able to see just as well without tripping over people.

The winner of the competition will be announced on 31st July once all three teams have competed.

Social media reporting has of course gone wild since learning that the team from The Walt Disney Company were taking part. Of course, whilst Howard & Sons have previously competed here, the Netherlands and of course the Disney team have not so it should be quite something to behold. Royal Party, representing The Netherlands, were winners of the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition in 2015 so they are all in with a fighting chance.

We will of course bring you the latest news as it happens from the showground and will of course announce the winner at the beginning of August.