Vancouver’s summer season is about to kick off in a big way, with two of the biggest events of the year taking place over the next two weekends: the Honda Celebration of Light and the Pride Parade.
The Festival of Lights returns Saturday after a pandemic hiatus with a show by Team Japan, followed by Team Canada on Wednesday and Team Spain next Saturday.
“This is our momentous 30th anniversary of this event,” said executive producer Paul Runnels. “It’s two years late, of course.”
He says special events are planned for the anniversary, including performances by a stunt pilot on each of the three fireworks nights and by the Canadian Snowbirds on Wednesday night.
Festivities will continue next Sunday from 12:00pm to 3:00pm as the Vancouver Parade celebrates its 44th year.
Thousands of spectators are expected to attend each downtown event, making them the largest events Vancouver has hosted since the pandemic began.
Roads closed in effect
Officials are warning participants to prepare for traffic jams on the roads as well as in the waters around False Creek, where boats will be launched to view the light show.
“If you are coming into the downtown area and the West End by land, we encourage people to plan ahead and realize that there will be road closures and it will be difficult to get around,” said VPD Sgt. Steve Addison.
He says road closures will be posted on social media well in advance.
Vehicle access will be limited to local traffic in Kitsilano and West End. The City of Vancouver said in a news release that transit, walking or biking are the best options for getting around the city for the events.
Translink is increasing the service so SkyTrains will run every two to three minutes. They are also adding SeaBus sailings and bus services.
The following closures will be in effect during the Festival of Lights events:
From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.:
From 19:00 to midnight:
- Davie Street from Denman to Burrard Street
- Denman Street from Alberni to Beach Avenue
- Beach Avenue/Pacific Street from Stanley Park to Thurlow Street
During the July 31 Pride Parade, the following closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. until approximately 3:30 p.m.:
- Thurlow Street from West Georgia to Nelson Street
- Alberni Street from Bute to Burrard Street
- Robson Street from Denman to Burrard Street
- Denman Street from West Georgia to Beach Avenue
- Beach Avenue/Pacific Street from Denman to Thurlow Street (cyclists are asked to walk their bikes when crowds arrive)
Add Comment