Annual Events- HSBC Celebration of Light, Weds. & Sats. July 23- Aug 2

One of the largest annual events in the city, this annual fireworks competition is staged over the two weeks ending July and beginning August. Featuring four nights of dazzling displays from the world's best fireworks companies,the Celebration of Light draws over half a million locals and tourists to beaches, balconies, and other lookouts each year. As the fireworks are launched from a barge anchored in English Bay, the West End is the hardest hit with traffic, with throng of people crowding the streets. Kitsilano, Jericho, Second and Third Beaches all get crowded, as do balconies and restaurants with a view of the bay. It's a bit hectic, but well worth your time to catch world-class fireworks masters at work.

Fireworks displays are traditionally held on Wednesday and Saturday nights, beginning at exactly 10:00. For information on this year's competing countries and schedules, please visit www.celebration-of-light.com/.