Hordes of people are expected to line English Bay during Vancouver's 29th annual fireworks competition.

The Honda Celebration of Light is billed as the city's biggest event of the summer. Teams from three countries will light up the sky in the three-night event that started Saturday.

Amir Morani Fireworks – a group founded in 1937 – went first, followed by the Canadian team from Firemaster Productions Inc. on July 31.

Croatia's Mirnovec Fireworks will provide the finale on Aug. 3.
 

What's the plan?

Each show starts right at 10 p.m., but the festivities begin earlier.

There will be live music stages, food trucks and more for those who head to the beach early to reserve their spot.

Each night of the fireworks, Red Bull athlete Pete Mcleod will present what organizers call a "jaw-dropping" airshow over English Bay starting at 7:45 p.m.

Here's a quick look at the pre-show entertainment from the festival's website. 

The displays last 25 minutes, and the accompanying music can be heard from the festival's mobile app.
 

Best viewing spots

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 and Kits Beach.

Viewers with young children may want to watch the shows from Second Beach, where organizers are offering family-friendly activities leading up to each display.
 

Road closures planned

On each night of the celebration, road closures will be in effect on streets leading to Kits Point beginning at 7 p.m., and on Davie and Denman streets and Beach Avenue in the West End starting at 7 p.m. Specific road closure details are available on the city's website

On the final night of the show, TransLink will be running a West Coast Express train starting at 7 p.m. from Mission, arriving at Waterfront at 8:15, to ensure those further from the city can take transit downtown. The departing train leaves Waterfront at midnight. 
 

Staying safe

Officers with Metro Vancouver Transit Police offered some tips for the public ahead of the event.

The force said its officers will be on duty throughout the region's transit systems, but are also asking those taking the SeaBus, buses and trains to say something if they see something suspicious.

Tips can be reported through text at 87 77 77 – a number the MVTP asks riders to save in their phones ahead of time in case of emergency. In an emergency, call 911.

Anyone taking transit is advised to plan ahead, and know the times of the last trips of the day to avoid being stranded.

Hold children's hands to prevent being separated from them, and if travelling with a group, agree on a meeting space ahead of time, transit police said.

Try not to be engrossed in your cellphone, the force said, and if listening to music, consider leaving one earbud out so you're still aware of your surroundings.

Also among the transit police tips are:

  • "Present yourself confidently on your journey."
  • Keep purses secure and carry wallets in inside pockets. Have your Compass Card ready so you don't need to take out your wallet.
  • Keep electronic devices out of sight when not in use.
  • Be especially vigilant you're near the door of a transit vehicle.

They also advised those heading to the celebration remember not to drink on transit, or you could face a $230 fine. Being intoxicated in public places including on transit is also against the law.

"We will have police officers throughout the West End and the downtown core -- we will be interacting with anyone who is seen drinking or consuming drugs in public," Vancouver Police Const. Steve Addison said.

Shauna Wilton of the Vancouver Park Board reminded the public that the city's parks and beaches are smoke free, and those caught violating the rules could face a $250 fine.