Vancouver's 2016 New Year's Eve celebration expanding in scope
An indoor concert and new countdown clock tower are among the additions
After the return of New Year's Eve festivities to Vancouver's downtown last year, organizers are hoping for a bigger and better event this year.
The Vancouver New Year's Eve Celebration Society has announced details of the 2016 event, which will feature a free outdoor concert starring The Sheepdogs and a ticketed indoor party at the Vancouver Convention Centre starring The New Pornographers and Yukon Blonde.
The event, which will help mark the beginning of Canada's 150th anniversary and features Concord Pacific as the title sponsor, has received $226,000 in federal funding
"On December 31, I encourage residents of Vancouver to bundle up and come together with their loved ones to witness the greatest Canada-wide celebration in our country's history," said Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly.
The outdoor celebration will begin at 6:30 p.m. PT on Canada Place Way between Howe and Thurlow streets and at 9 p.m. will include early fireworks for families.
Last year's New Year's Eve celebration, the first in Vancouver in over a decade, was attended by an estimated 80,000 people.