Celebration of Light

If you’re like me, you still call it the Symphony of Fire, and still associate it with Benson & Hedges. The name may be different, it may now be sponsored by HSBC, but the Celebration of Light is still a fun thing to see.

Head to English Bay to watch the fireworks displays set to music. Have a look at www.celebration-of-light.com for the schedule. Canada is on tonight, Saturday will be the USA, then July 30 is China’s turn. My personal favourite is finale night, which will be on August 2^nd.

Fireworks start around 10:00pm and last approximately 20 minutes, but be sure to allow yourself plenty of travel time. If you want a spot on the beach, arrive several hours early. I, personally, have never actually gotten a spot on the beach, so I’m not really sure how early you would have to go.

As well, it’s going to take you ages to get home, especially if you take public transit, so allow plenty of time for that as well. If you’re taking kids, you’ll probably have to carry/drag them half way back to the nearest Skytrain station. Then the Skytrain will be full. Then your child will have to pee… it’s a vicious cycle really. The best solution is to leave the kiddies at home. Find a sitter who abhors crowds, that way they won’t have wanted to go to the fireworks anyways.