Philippines crowned Celebration of Light 2023 winner

Fireworks from Team Philippines light up the night sky during the Celebration of Light festival in Vancouver
Fireworks from Team Philippines light up the night sky on July 29, 2023, during the Celebration of Light festival in Vancouver. (Courtesy Twitter/Celebration of Light)

By Hana Mae Nassar

Posted August 1, 2023 7:36 am.

Last Updated August 1, 2023 8:14 am.

The Celebration of Light returned to wow crowds around Vancouver — and now, we know who’s been declared the winner of the annual fireworks show.

Blue Peacock, which represented the Philippines, has been crowned the 2023 victor, after its show on Saturday, July 29.

Organizers say Team Philippines won both the People’s Choice and Judge’s Competition Award.

This was “based on a tightly choreographed performance, and in spite of stiff competition” from Howard & Sons for Team Australia, and Grupo AVACON for Team Mexico.

“Each of the participating teams should be congratulated for putting on a first-class performance, as evidenced by the overwhelmingly positive response from festival goers this year,” said Kelly Guille, president of Archangel Fireworks Inc.

“However, Blue Peacock produced a fireworks display that was a masterpiece of colours, soundtrack, sequencing, and overall excitement and should be proud.”

According to the Celebration of Light, the three-day festival — held on July 22, 26, and 29 — drew an estimated 1.3 million attendees, who gathered at various viewing areas around English Bay.

Last year marked the Celebration of Light’s return after a two-year COVID-19 induced hiatus. The 30th year of the festival saw Team Canada beat out Japan and Spain.

“We’d like to acknowledge the stunning displays by each of the competing teams in this year’s Honda Celebration of Light,” said Michael McKnight, co-chair of the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society.

“As we reflect on what was a truly marvelous three evenings of entertainment, we want to extend a big thank you to all of the staff, volunteers and sponsors who make this event possible – and we also want to thank the hundreds of thousands of people who continue to show their unwavering support for the Honda Celebration of Light.”

The fireworks festival has been lighting up the sky over Vancouver since 1990. Organizers say the Celebration of Light is the “world’s longest running offshore firework competition.”

Submit a Correction
Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

New West PD says suspect in custody after two people stabbed near SkyTrain station
New West PD says suspect in custody after two people stabbed near SkyTrain station

New Westminster police say a suspect is in custody after two people were stabbed on Columbia Street outside the SkyTrain station.

8h ago

Bomb threat made to BC NDP campaign office in Campbell River
Bomb threat made to BC NDP campaign office in Campbell River

The BC NDP received a bomb threat at its Campbell River campaign office Friday, a spokesperson for the party's campaign tells 1130 NewsRadio.

10h ago

B.C. party leaders focus on different issues on the campaign trail Saturday
B.C. party leaders focus on different issues on the campaign trail Saturday

With just a week left until the election, the leaders of B.C.'s political parties focused on different issues during campaign stops Saturday.

10h ago

Suspect hit by vehicle while fleeing police in Victoria; IIO called in
Suspect hit by vehicle while fleeing police in Victoria; IIO called in

B.C.'s police watchdog has been called in after a suspect was hit by a vehicle while fleeing from police in Victoria.

8h ago

Top Stories

New West PD says suspect in custody after two people stabbed near SkyTrain station
New West PD says suspect in custody after two people stabbed near SkyTrain station

New Westminster police say a suspect is in custody after two people were stabbed on Columbia Street outside the SkyTrain station.

8h ago

Bomb threat made to BC NDP campaign office in Campbell River
Bomb threat made to BC NDP campaign office in Campbell River

The BC NDP received a bomb threat at its Campbell River campaign office Friday, a spokesperson for the party's campaign tells 1130 NewsRadio.

10h ago

B.C. party leaders focus on different issues on the campaign trail Saturday
B.C. party leaders focus on different issues on the campaign trail Saturday

With just a week left until the election, the leaders of B.C.'s political parties focused on different issues during campaign stops Saturday.

10h ago

Suspect hit by vehicle while fleeing police in Victoria; IIO called in
Suspect hit by vehicle while fleeing police in Victoria; IIO called in

B.C.'s police watchdog has been called in after a suspect was hit by a vehicle while fleeing from police in Victoria.

8h ago

Most Watched Today

3:13
BC Conservative Party candidate draws criticism for comments about First Nations communities
BC Conservative Party candidate draws criticism for comments about First Nations communities

Another BC Conservative Party candidate -- this time Vancouver-Quilchena candidate Dallas Brodie -- is coming under fire for racially insensitive comments she made about First Nations communities.

2:41
Metro Vancouver mayors call for B.C. leaders to prioritize transit
Metro Vancouver mayors call for B.C. leaders to prioritize transit

The Metro Vancouver Mayors' Council has released its voter guide for the provincial election.

2:12
Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival returns
Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival returns

Back for its eighth year, the Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival showcases artists and performers who are not typically represented within mainstream art institutions.
2:30
Childhood cancer survivor paying it forward with fundraiser
Childhood cancer survivor paying it forward with fundraiser

March 16, 2021, will be forever ingrained in the Cannon family -- it was the day their 12-year-old son, Nicky, received a 0.3 in a million chance cancer diagnosis. Now two years cancer-free, the family is paying it forward. Cecilia Hua has more.
1:24
Trial date set for Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex trafficking case
Trial date set for Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex trafficking case

Sean 'Diddy' Combs appeared in court Thursday as a judge set a trial date in his federal sex trafficking case. Erica Natividad with the details and why Combs's attorneys want certain evidence barred from the trial.

More Videos