Vancouver’s Celebration of Light called off because of COVID-19
Posted April 20, 2020 3:41 pm.
Last Updated April 20, 2020 4:38 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — After 30 years the Celebration of Light will not be lighting up the sky this summer at English Bay.
To stay in line with public health orders, organizers cancelled the fireworks competition after the provincial health officer said it will be too risky for large events to happen this summer.
The Celebration of Light is the longest-running offshore fireworks competition in the world and has hosted dozens of countries each summer since 1990.
For now, organizers say they are looking into options for some kind of alternative celebration in 2020.
“We hope to be able to make an announcement very soon, and in the meantime wish to thank our many partners, sponsors, participating countries and our millions of fans across the province and around the world for their ongoing support,” says an event Facebook post.
The event was planned for July and normally draws in hundreds of thousands of people.
Gatherings of more than 50 people are currently banned to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, the Pride Society has already announced the Pride Parade and celebrations will be taking a digital approach this year.
RELATED: Vancouver Pride goes virtual because of COVID-19
A spokesperson for the PNE has also said the event will not go forward as usual because of COVID-19 restrictions, though it isn’t clear yet what it might look like.
