Did you notice a few extra people in Vancouver's West End last night?
They might not have been indoors, but locals leaving the Honda Celebration of Lights looked like sardines packed in a tin can leaving the area Wednesday (July 27) night.
Prior to the pandemic, the awe-inspiring event drew upwards of 400,000 spectators nightly to the city's beaches, parks and seawall. But locals were eager to view the dazzling pyrotechnic displays in English Bay following the two-year hiatus — and they returned in droves.
Vancouver Police Department (VPD) Chief Adam Palmer shared a jaw-dropping perspective of crowds dispersing after the event at Davie and Denman streets.
Crowd dispersing at Davie & Denman after a great #fireworks show #CelebOfLight @VancouverPD pic.twitter.com/fktE00TZFJ
— Adam Palmer (@ChiefPalmer) July 28, 2022
While thousands of people congregated to watch the electrifying theatrics, there weren't any major incidents during the evening. Palmer added that the VPD, along with the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services and other partner agencies, did an "outstanding job" making sure that everyone arrived home safely.
Outstanding job by our #VPD officers, #VFRS #firefighters & partner agencies ensuring everyone gets home safely @VancouverPD @VanFireRescue @BC_EHS @TransitPolice @EComm911_info pic.twitter.com/ZN1Rfa4liQ
— Adam Palmer (@ChiefPalmer) July 28, 2022
Earlier in the evening, the police chief shared a video of the "crowds budding" at English Bay during sunset.
Crowds building down at #EnglishBay - people having a good time at @CelebOfLight #CelebOfLight @VancouverPD pic.twitter.com/7e9f2LV8je
— Adam Palmer (@ChiefPalmer) July 28, 2022
Fireworks in Vancouver: Honda Celebration of Light highlights
The fireworks will kick off for their final night on Saturday at 10 p.m.; its accompanying music can be heard on The Breeze 104.3 FM and Z 95.3 FM.
Before the final event, however, the Morton Park Festival Zone will serve as the festival hub and is open to all ages and families from 2 to 8 p.m., featuring live music, food trucks and vendors.
Have a look at some of the best moments from last night's dazzling display.
#CelebOfLight #fireworks #Vancouver @VancouverPD pic.twitter.com/hxBaJtYAOn
— Adam Palmer (@ChiefPalmer) July 28, 2022
There will works of fire πand things of that nature.
— Elana Shepert πΊπ¦ (@elanashepert) July 28, 2022
And @aliyazesmail was impossible to find but we still love her π€£π€¦βοΈ#Vancouver #whereswaldo #HondaCelebrationofLight #Fireworks pic.twitter.com/ill79s4RXl
2022 Honda Celebration of Light - Canada Team π¨π¦…Everyone sing and dance at the beach when they play the song YMCA. Love it … I β€οΈCanada. #celebrationoflight #englishbay #firework #Vancouver pic.twitter.com/wXAV0RSmoF
— Melissa π¨π¦ (@puffinvan) July 28, 2022
Todays fireworks show was Canada. It was very beautiful!#CelebrationofLight #Vancouver
— β [κΉ] β¬ Å β« β β¬ Ø β β (@Happyboys0621) July 28, 2022
#γγγγ§DM #RT pic.twitter.com/RRVGAXMjqY
#Firework #Vancouver pic.twitter.com/ZOMRQC4ddR
— koorosh dadar (@KooroshDadar) July 28, 2022
Find out everything you need to know about viewing the final evening of the Honda Celebration of Lights.
Vancouver Is Awesome has reached out to the VPD for further comment.
With files from Maria Diment.