Inside Vancouver

Serena Ryder announced to headline this year’s SHOREfest

by Shawn Conner in Events on May 3, 2013

Serena Ryder at Vancouver Music Folk Festival, Jericho Beach Park, July 13 2012. Photo credit: Christopher Edmonstone

Every summer, Vancouver loses its collective gourd over millions of dollars of gunpowder. The Celebration of Light hosts countries competing to see who can wring the most gasps and “oohs” from the hundreds of thousands who descend on the city’s beaches, harbours, condo balconies and apartment building roofs.

To take advantage of this more or less captive audience, a series of free concerts featuring Canadian talent are held on Sunset Beach and English Bay prior to the fireworks, which this year will be launched by the U.K., Canada and Thailand on July 27, July 31 and Aug. 3, respectively. Recently announced is one of the headliners for the SHOREfest concert series: four-time Juno (that’s the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy) Award-winner Serena Ryder.

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Serena Ryder announced to headline this year’s SHOREfest

Lights of Hope at St. Paul’s Hospital, Thursday, November 15th

by Inside Vancouver in Town on November 7, 2012

photo: St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation

Join the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation for an annual holiday tradition, when the Lights of Hope display returns to St. Paul’s Hospital for a 15th year! They will kick off this year’s campaign with a special Lighting Celebration on Nov. 15, which will culminate in fireworks and a festive outdoor community celebration for the entire family.
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Lights of Hope at St. Paul’s Hospital, Thursday, November 15th

Giant Beavers Return: Canada Day 2012 Party at Canada Place, July 1

by Remy Scalza in Events on June 21, 2012

The beavers are back.

Remember the three-storey-tall, inflatable, buck-toothed critters from the 2010 Olympic Closing Ceremony? They’re back for a special appearance at the 2012 Canada Day Celebrations at Canada Place on July 1.

But you can expect more than just beavers at this party.

In honour of Canada’s 145th birthday, Canada Place (downtown’s waterfront convention complex) is throwing the city’s biggest bash. It’s a full day (10 a.m-11 p.m.) of live music from Juno-award winners, street food galore, interactive exhibitions, a huge parade and – to top it all off – a dazzling, two-barge fireworks show in Burrard Inlet.

Planning to check out the fun? Here are some can’t-miss highlights:

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Giant Beavers Return: Canada Day 2012 Party at Canada Place, July 1

Celebration of Light: Summer Fireworks Schedule Announced

by Remy Scalza in Events on April 30, 2012

Photo credit: CEdmonstoneFlickr | Flickr

Vancouver is jam-packed with festivals and happenings year-round, from Dine Out in January to Carol Ships in December.

But I’d wager that – if there’s one event the whole city really gets pumped up for – it’s got to be the Celebration of Light: the 3-day summer fireworks fest on English Bay.

There’s just something about fireworks. I think humans must be hardwired to get a kick out of watching huge balls of color flashing across the sky to a soundtrack of explosive booms. Add in the beautiful backdrop of English Bay on a warm night – not to mention a few hundred thousand of your closest friends - and you’ve got a recipe for a magical evening.

This summer promises to be no exception. The lineup for the 22nd Celebration of Light was announced last week and includes some exciting new faces. And the good news is that after years of financial struggles, this year’s festival has a committed sponsor and plenty of financing. Continue reading:
Celebration of Light: Summer Fireworks Schedule Announced

More than Fireworks: Free music at Celebration of Light

by Remy Scalza in Events on July 29, 2011

Vancouver’s annual three-night fireworks spectacular Celebration of Light kicks off on Saturday, July 30, with two more shows on Wednesday, Aug. 3, and Saturday, Aug. 6. Dana has a great post up on the best places to see the shows and what to expect. But did you know that Celebration of Light also features free live music?

Preceding the fireworks, free (and, well, almost free) concerts will be staged at three different stages as part of SHOREfest 2011. Acts range from up-and-coming bands competing for airtime on local radio station Shore 104.3 FM to established stars like Barenaked Ladies frontman Steven Page.

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More than Fireworks: Free music at Celebration of Light