Vancouver is going to look a little less bright during the summer as the beloved Honda Celebration of Light was just cancelled indefinitely.
It was after many months of outreach to governments and the business community that the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society (VFFS) made the decision to cut the event due to funding issues.
Funding Issues
The Vancouver tradition first got its start in 1990, originally called the Symphony of Fire. It has since become the “longest running off-shore festival in the world” and “Canada’s largest free public event.” And while it has become one of B.C.’s strongest drivers of tourism, the rising costs of the celebration have ultimately become too much for the event to continue.
Alarm bells have already been ringing for some time for the fireworks show. In both public and private sectors, the event’s funding has taken a hit. While 2023 saw the provincial and federal government granting the event $700,000 altogether, 2026 would have seen provincial support fall to just $100,000. As for federal funding, that was to be cut entirely.
Corporate sponsors have also been backing out of the celebration as the uncertainty of Metro Vancouver’s costs have continued to rise.
Honda Celebration of Light Cancelled
VFFS have stated in a press release that “it can no longer continue to go ‘cap in hand’ each year to keep the event afloat.” Amid rising production costs, the dearth of federal funding, a decrease in provincial support, and a decline in private-sector investment, the event is no longer financially sustainable. This is in spite of recently-introduced ticketed seating and viewing lounges, as well as corporate hosting opportunities that were meant to generate extra revenue.
“For 33 years, this event has been a cornerstone of Vancouver’s summer – a shared experience that brought families, friends, and visitors together from across the province and around the world,” said Michael McKnight, Co-Chair, VFFS. “Ending that tradition is incredibly painful, but we simply can’t continue.”
In a 2024 news release, the Government of Canada said that, “The [Honda Celebration of Light] is one of the city’s anchor summer events, drawing over one million visitors to English Bay each year. It brings local residents and tourists together, benefiting businesses and celebrating music, food and culture.”
“Our hope is that by being transparent about the financial realities,” said Paul Runnals, Executive Producer, HCOL, “that governments and partners might step up to create a long-term solution that allows the Honda Celebration of Light to return stronger and more sustainable at some point in the future.”