Vancouver's annual fireworks competition is two-thirds of the way done, with the final show from Team Canada scheduled Saturday night. 

The Honda Celebration of Light began with a bang on July 29 with a show from Akariya Fireworks representing Japan. The same team won the competition in 2014.

On Wednesday night, Jubilee Fireworks sent pyrotechnics sailing over English Bay with a 25-minute show from a team representing the U.K. While the show appeared seamless to onlookers, a computer glitch derailed the original program the team had planned.

When they arrived in Vancouver they had just three days to build a new program, but the challenge was accepted by a local team that works on the barge.

The festival's Canadian pyrotechnics managers stepped in to assist and put the show together in 72 hours.

"For most people, if you didn't know that, you just wouldn't know," said Paul Tilbury from the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society.

"An absolutely fabulous job by a great group of professionals to pull off a fabulous evening here by the United Kingdom."

While hundreds of thousands of festivalgoers left behind lots of trash on the beach, a small army of City of Vancouver staffers swooped in and had it cleaned up by morning.

Police said they were happy with how the night turned out. While they poured out about 30 drinks, they made only two arrests, both for disturbing the peace.

Royal Pyrotechnie will close out the annual festival representing Canada on Saturday, Aug. 5. The final night coincides with Pride weekend, so organizers expect even larger crowds than the city saw for the first two shows. Anyone hoping to score a good spot on the beach should be prepared to arrive early.

This year honours Canada's 150th birthday, with each team required to include a Canadian song in their shows.

The 25-minute displays begin at 10 p.m. each night, and the music can be heard from the festival's mobile app.

Fireworks barges are set up in the water between Second and English Bay beaches. There are several ticketed viewing areas directly across from the barges for those who wish to avoid the crowds, but viewers are also able to see the shows from surrounding areas, including Vanier Park.

There are complimentary viewing areas for disabled guests and one companion, but seating is limited, so those wishing to sit in the accessible area are advised to come to the YVR Observation Deck early.

The shows can also be seen from the water, but all boaters must be outside a perimeter which will be marked by marine buoys.

Vancouver police said they will be a visible presence on the beaches, in Kitsilano and on the water. Officers expect between 300,000 and 500,000 people to attend, and will use crowd disbursement methods and mobile command centres similar to those used on Canada Day.

Firefighters said they're concerned about dry conditions, and will be patrolling the area to make sure there is no smoking in parks or beaches. Anyone who does smoke is asked to use an ashtray and dispose of butts appropriately, as discarded cigarettes are the leading cause of the outdoor fires burning through B.C.

Vehicle access will be restricted starting at 7:30 p.m. in the area bordered by Beach Avenue and Gilford, Alberni and Thurlow Streets. Those planning to go to the festival are encouraged to take transit or take their bikes, which can be locked up by the festival's complimentary bike valet at Second Beach.

Staff removed the two Mobi bike share stations closest to English Bay so anyone planning to use that service will want to check their mobile app to find the closest available station.

Those who do want to drive are encouraged to come to the area early to find parking, and asked to carpool if possible.

While the fireworks shows are the main attraction, the Celebration of Light is also hosting daytime entertainment including live music, food vendors, kids' activities and roaming performances. There will be a new family zone, a concert stage and beer garden set up at Second Beach.

Members of the public are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the Graver Vancouver Food Bank, as staff will be on scene all three days. Those who don't want to bring food downtown but still want to contribute can make a donation online.

With files from CTV Vancouver's Ben Miljure and Breanna Karstens-Smith

 

Map of Celebration of Light