PH fireworks team to compete in Vancouver’s ‘23 Celebration of Light

Blue Peacock Fireworks from the Philippines will vie for top place at The Honda Celebration of Light set return to English Bay on July 22, 26 and 29 with promises of world-renowned displays.

A pyrotechnic team from the Philippines will compete with counterparts from Australia and Mexico this summer in Vancouver’s annual offshore fireworks competition.

Blue Peacock Fireworks from the Philippines will vie for top place at The Honda Celebration of Light set return to English Bay on July 22, 26 and 29 with promises of world-renowned displays.

A newcomer to the competition, BluePeacock Fireworks has earned more awards than the returning teams, according to the organizers of Vancouver’s event. It’s best known for setting off the 100th Philippine Independence Celebration and being the first ever team to perform a pyro-musical show using the tallest Ferris wheel in the country.

Australia’s team, Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics, has been making splashes since 1932 when it set off a fireworks display for the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s also no stranger to Vancouver. In 2016, Howard & Sons won silver in the Celebration of Light.

Mexico’s team, Grupo AVACON, is a well-known presence in its home country where it’s said to perform almost every day of the year for hotels and companies.

The fireworks will begin each night at 10 p.m., but if people show up early they’re likely to also see the Red Bull Air Show, which will kick off each performance. The winning team will be announced on Aug. 2.

Up to 400,000 people are expected to attend, according a release from the organizers. Limited tickets for three viewing locations are available for people who don’t want to have to fight for a spot.

The pre-sale for tickets to one of three designated viewing areas along the beach launched at 11 a.m. Monday and is set to end at 8:59 a.m. Thursday, when tickets will be fully available to the public.

The most affordable option, and the only one available to all ages, is a $62.70 view from the bleachers at the Concord Pacific Grandstand, which includes access to private washroom facilities and a licensed bar.

Concord Pacific plans to hold a lottery to distribute 100 tickets to seniors living in the West End and Downtown areas for the July 22 show, as well as another 100 to families and individuals for the final performance. More details on the draw can be found online.