Thousands flock to English Bay to watch Team Australia fireworks
Posted July 23, 2023 12:06 pm.
Last Updated July 23, 2023 12:47 pm.
Hundreds of thousands of people made their way to Vancouver’s waterfront Saturday night, as Team Australia kicked off this year’s Celebration of Light fireworks competition.
Australia was the first to show off its mettle, with Mexico, and the Philippines rounding out this year’s competing countries.
Australia! A memorable show delivered by Sydney-based Howard & Sons on my first night of judging duty for the 2023 Celebration of Light Vancouver fireworks competition. #HCOL23 #CelebOfLight pic.twitter.com/gsIJqU68Th
— Sarah Kirby-Yung (@sarahkirby_yung) July 23, 2023
In photos posted to social media by the Vancouver Police Department, much of English Bay beaches couldn’t be seen from above, as thousands staked out their seats to watch the light show.
Here’s an updated photo of English Bay beach taken just after 9 p.m.
We have officer’s out there on foot, horseback, in the air, on bikes, motorcycles, boats, and in vehicles. pic.twitter.com/i8szHfWz0M
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) July 23, 2023
In a statement to CityNews, Const. Tania Visintin says anytime so many people converge from other neighbourhoods into one area, “there are bound to be challenges,but we were able to deploy additional officers throughout the city to keep people safe.”
“Officers dealt with some minor conflicts, but there were no major problems for VPD at the fireworks and it was a safe, fun and family-friendly event,” she explained.
“The vast majority of people acted safely and responsibly to make it a fun evening.”
Honda #CelebrationofLight 2023 with Australia’s #fireworks tonight in #Vancouver. pic.twitter.com/LKm5FKXOac
— Alexa Rose (@Alexa_K_Rose) July 23, 2023
Celebration of Light captured from a unique perspective. Photo by @sushininja (IG) pic.twitter.com/8q2qPYIZMY
— CVM Events (@cvmevents) July 23, 2023
The fireworks festival comes as much of B.C. experiences tinder-dry conditions due to persistent drought, contributing to air-quality advisories and heat warnings.
University of British Columbia professor Michael Brauer says fireworks can degrade air quality further because of the pollution they leave behind.
“When we see those colours, those colours are because of metals that are in the fireworks — and that’s the concern, we know that those metals are toxic when you breathe it in,” he said.
Celebration of light illuminates Vancouver skyline over English Bay. pic.twitter.com/AVAJmSEYa9
— Jasdeep Grewal (@JasdeepGrewalca) July 23, 2023
“Levels or particles increase when we have firework displays and are associated with increases in health impacts like cardiovascular diseases — some studies show increases in cardiovascular deaths on firework days compared to non-firework days.”
The annual event is regarded as the longest-running fireworks competition in the world and is owned by the volunteer-run Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society.
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Last year marked the festival’s return after a two-year COVID-19-induced hiatus. The 30th year of the festival saw Team Canada beat out Japan and Spain.
“This event sparks joy and plays an important role in fostering a vibrant Vancouver. To ensure this event remains an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone, we will be working closely with our partners at the Park Board, Vancouver Police Department, and Emergency Services,” said Mayor Ken Sim.
Mexico’s Grupo Avacon will take to the barge on July 26, and Blue Peacock Fireworks from the Philippines on July 29.
–With files from Hana Mae Nassar, Angela Bower, and James Paracy
