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Honda’s Celebration of Light, Malaysia

In truth, I, like many others love watching fireworks. The rarity of it in the air, the sound of their crackling boom, and the pure whimsy from the sparkle that catches your eye.

However, I have not watched a full fireworks performance since my university days, when I had more free time, less responsibility; and the patience to spend an entire afternoon on the beach, to order to claim the perfect spot and ideal vantage point for watching the fireworks at. Then having more patience and the willingness to wade through the mob of people, all trying to catch skytrain and/or bus home. Currently I am in that period of my life where I refuse to line up to go home, so that has seen me not attending any such performances.

However, a great opportunity came up that I could not refuse. My friend was able to get me an invitation to watch 2024’s Honda Celebration of Lights on a private yacht at English Bay. Anchored in the harbour, floating alongside the actual firework barges.

I have never watched the fireworks from a yacht before, so was excited to see the full majesty overhead and reflected in the water below. And best of all, the country competing on this day was Malaysia. The country I often say that I am from when people do not know where Brunei is. This would be the second showcase in the series, with Portugal starting things off last Saturday, July 20th and United Kingdom ending it on Saturday, July 27th. Malaysia was right in the middle with this week day performance.

“The Honda Celebration of Light is B.C.’s largest public event and the longest-running offshore fireworks competition in the world. It attracts up to 400,000 spectators along the shores of English Bay each night. Owned by the volunteer Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society, the event contributes more than $265 million in economic activity to the region each year. The Honda Celebration of Light event is produced by Vancouver-based Brandlive Management Group in collaboration with Archangel Fireworks Inc.” (as taken from the press release)

At 10pm each performance night, the fireworks will be launched from barges located in English Bay. Music simultaneously broadcasts from CFMI Rock 101, for viewers to tune into. The fireworks are cued to said music. Each team competes with their best lighter forward and the winning one is announced on the following Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

As an opening act, the Red Bull Air Show hosts a pre-show performance, which happens on all three festival nights at 7:40pm.

And this year the Honda Celebration of Light has announced the premiere of an electric drone show, sponsored by the BC Honda Dealers. Each night at approximately 9:50 pm, attendees can watch a dazzling choreographed drone display light up the skies over English Bay, just before the fireworks.

We arrived at 6:30pm at Marina side Crescent to board. There, we were greeted with glasses of sparkling and able to mingle with other guests. Not only does this invite include access to the yacht for an unobstructed view, but also a reception with beverages, and dinner done buffet style before the actual firework show at 10pm.

Private catering that included a made to order sushi bar that included uni, scallop, and blue fin tuna. I am not shy to admit that I had one of each, and went back for more. I found these best paired with the crispy seaweed and seaweed cracker snacks, as well as a shot of sake.

Cold food bar including cocktail shrimp, raw oysters, poached mussels, and self dressed chilled soba.

For food there were heated troths with steak and potato, chicken teriyaki skewers, tempura shrimp, and stir fried noodles. Plenty of food, all of it tasty, fitting with the luxe decor.

And for dessert there were cakes by the slice ti help yourself to, alongside fresh sliced fruit.

There was also plenty to drink outside of sparkling wine and sake. From beer to highballs, however I would keep it with my preferences of red, and tonight that was a Pinot Noir.

There was so much food left over that the staff even packed up boxes to go and invited guests to claim theirs.

We were allowed free rein over the yacht’s multiple levels, enjoying the art and the amenities. Out of respect for the owner of said ship, we did not take any photos. And when time we were gathered on deck to watch Malaysia’s Team Pyro Tact light up the skies.

“Pyro Tact was once a group of young part-time workers, who embarked on a remarkable journey. Their Story began with a humble spark of curiosity and a passion for pyrotechnics that ignited their dreams. Over time, their skills caught the attention of their nation, leading them to represent their country in prestigious fireworks competitions, and major events in their country and in Asia. From their modest beginnings to the international stage. Solen, Jeffry, Syukri, & Faizal continue to shine bright, creating breathtaking fireworks spectacles that light up the world.” (As taken from the press release)

The discography was the nostalgic for any elder millennial. Ballads like Whitney Houston’s hit from The Bodyguard and Celine Dion made an appearance. I recognized My Chemical Romance’s Black Parade and The Rolling Stone’s Paint it Black. Even the Rasputin song found its way there. I found the hook “Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang”; but had to google to learn it was originally by John Lee Hooker then given its mainstream rock twist by Big Head Todd & The Monsters.

Sadly, I discovered that there is a 7 second delay from music to fireworks, and although they do try the best that they can, it is noticeable between the pops of light and the beat.

For those looking to catch the last show in style, Honda Celebration of Light attendees can reserve a seat with exclusive VIP and family-friendly viewing options. Limited seats are available for the three ticketed viewing locations of Scotiabank Lounge, Inukshuk Point, and the Concord Pacific Grandstand. For those interested in hosting private groups with the best views of the barges, there are VIP private cabanas and larger group hosting patio spaces available to rent. Tickets to all three viewing areas can be purchased online at www.hondacelebrationoflight.com.

Show runners are also introducing a new 50-50 opportunity, with proceeds helping to ensure the continuation of this fun and free community event next year.

Tickets are available July 12th through July 27 (for those 19+). You can make your purchase online at hondacelebrationoflight5050.com, or onsite between 2pm and 10pm on the day of each event. The status of the jackpot will also be available at hondacelebrationoflight5050.com at all times.

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