New Year's Eve fireworks to light up Vancouver for first time in decade
Party will also include live music from The Matinee, We Are The City, Dear Rouge and Current Swell
Vancouver's New Year's Eve Celebration Society has released details of the fireworks display at this year's free community New Year's Eve event, the first in more than a decade.
"We anticipate the same joyful atmosphere experienced at past community celebrations that have taken place along Canada Place Way, such as Canada Day," said society president Charles Gauthier.
Celebrations will begin with a First Nation's welcome on the waterfront on Canada Place Way, between Howe Street and Burrard Street, at 6 p.m. PT on Dec. 31.
This will be followed by a DJ set and lineup of live music including bands Bed of Stars, The Matinee, We Are The City, Dear Rouge and Current Swell.
Other attractions include food trucks, a kids' zone and a 9 p.m. countdown and three-minute firework display for youngsters. The main fireworks display will begin with the main New Year's countdown at midnight and last 11 minutes.
Where to watch the fireworks
The fireworks will be launched from a barge in Coal Harbour, west of the Canada Place pier, and will be accompanied by a live radio simulcast of synchronized music on radio station 102.7 The PEAK FM.
Viewing locations include:
- Vancouver Convention Centre East Plaza
- Premium Fireworks Viewing Lounge (ticketed and sold out)
- Canada Place Way
However, organizers say the fireworks will not be viewable from English Bay and Kitsilano.
Free transit from 5 p.m.
Anyone with tickets for the sold-out premier lounge will have access from 8 p.m. onwards. Organizers say the New Year's Eve celebrations will take place rain or shine and advise residents to come prepared.
If you're planning on staying at home in the warm, the countdown event will be broadcast live on Global B.C.
Drivers should note, the event area will close at 5 p.m. Dec. 30 and will not reopen until noon on Jan. 1, to allow for preparations and cleanup.
Meanwhile, transit to and from downtown Vancouver will be free from 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve.