South Africa kicks off Honda Celebration of Light on Saturday

THE Honda Celebration of Light makes its highly anticipated return to the skies above English Bay this Saturday as Team South Africa, represented by Fireworks for Africa, kicks off the three-day festival. The fireworks performance is just the finale of all the entertainment the festival has to offer throughout the day.

To make the most of your day stop by the Honda Celebration of Light’s festival site, the Park Stage at Second Beach, which features music and arts programming, food trucks, a site wide licence, sponsor activations, picnic tables and games for families to relax and soak up the atmosphere.  Performances include Busty and the Bass, Bend Sinister, Ashleigh Ball, Sister Says and many more.

There are a variety of ways to enjoy the fireworks with limited tickets available at venues like The Keg Lounge, the Concord Lounge at the Inukshuk and the family-friendly YVR Observation Deck. Those wanting to grab a blanket and head to the beach, there is plenty of free viewing spots available.

The Red Bull Air Show which will dazzle the crowd in the skies above English Bay is set to take off at 7:45 p.m. before Z-Fest presented by Z 95.3FM takes over the stage on the Bathhouse Roof at English Bay. Z-Fest presents rising pop-artist Langston Francis starting at 8:30 p.m.

For the first time ever, all three participating countries will be required to incorporate the same theme into their fireworks display and musical accompaniment. As voted by the public, this year’s theme will be Love.

Rain or shine, the fireworks will begin at 10 p.m. from the barges located in English Bay. Music simulcast can be heard on LG 104.3 FM and through the festival’s mobile app, which event organizers encourage attendees to download from the iTunes and Android App Stores.

Given the large volume of festival guests and limited parking in the area, Honda Celebration of Light is encouraging attendees to walk, cycle or transit to get to the event. Note that extensive road closures are in effect from 6 p.m. in Kits Point and 7 p.m. in the West End.

For a full schedule, event details and tickets visit www.hondacelebrationoflight.com.