The Honda Celebration of Light fireworks festival, which draws more than one million spectators over three nights, kicked off last weekend in Vancouver’s English Bay.

According to organizers, the annual event is the world’s longest running off-shore fireworks competition.

“The Honda Celebration of Light is a summer highlight for British Columbians and their families, and a huge draw for visitors,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “With live music, food and a variety of free family activities, this fireworks festival offers top-notch entertainment and provides a terrific boost to local tourism.”

This year’s Celebration of Light takes place on July 28, Aug. 1 and Aug. 4, 2018. It is expected to generate $173 million in visitor spending. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture supported promotion of the festival with a $250,000 grant through the Tourism Events Program.

“We are thrilled to bring back one of Vancouver’s favourite summer events for its 28th year, and are able to do so in such a sensational way because of the continuous support of the provincial government,” said Paul Tilbury and Heather Owen, joint co-chairs of the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society. “The Honda Celebration of Light truly lights up the city, by bringing people together with those they love to enjoy a festival of music, food and culture throughout the day, leading up to the breath-taking fireworks each night.”

The Tourism Events Program supports events that raise awareness of B.C.’s tourism experiences and inspire people from around the world to visit the province. The events supported by the program generate tourism and boost economic activity throughout British Columbia.

Quick Facts:

• The 2018 Honda Celebration of Light's competing countries are South Africa (July 28), Sweden (Aug. 1) and South Korea (Aug. 4). The theme of this year’s fireworks competition is “love.”
• The Celebration of Light is recognized by market-research firm Nielsen as one of the top ten festivals in Canada.
• Tourism is an important economic driver for B.C., which generated more than $17 billion in revenues in 2016.
• The Government of British Columbia invests over $123 million in the tourism sector annually.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Honda Celebration of Light, visit: http://hondacelebrationoflight.com/

For more information on the Tourism Events Program, visit: http://ow.ly/kL1Y309KOWo