English Bay ready to burst into the spotlight

Here are five reasons to check out the Celebration of Light July 29, Aug. 2 and Aug. 5on English Bay.

1 Lights in the sky

After 27 years, the annual competition — originally called Symphony of Light — is recognized as the longest-running offshore fireworks festival in the world. This year, the team to beat is Japan’s Akariya Fireworks, who won the 2014 event. Going up against Akariya are the U.K.’s Jubilee Fireworks Ltd. and Canada’s Royal Pyrotechnie, who will light up the night sky on the final evening of the competition. Teams are judged for sizing, design and artistry, synchronization and other criteria.

2 Mrazek air shows

Veteran air show pilot and performer John Mrazek and his son Richard will present an aerial show July 29 and Aug. 5. Onlookers will be treated to John in his Harvard Mark IV, a Canadian warplane first built in 1951, and Richard in a Yakovlev 18T, a Russian training aircraft introduced in 1967, flying over English Bay.

3 Sparking togetherness

According to hondacelebrationoflight.com, “the event’s core purpose is to spark togetherness.” Over one million people are expected to bond over fireworks, food-truck fare and music over the competition’s threenight run.

4 Exclusive seating

For those who want a more exclusive experience, this year’s Celebration of Light includes a number ticketed viewing areas. These include the Keg Lounge, the Concord Lounge at the Inukshuk, the YVR Observation Deck and the YVR Business Class Cabanas.

5 Music

In the hours leading up to the fireworks, diverse lineups of musical acts will perform on three stages, including the new Park Stage at Second Beach. Musicians include vocalist Dawn Pemberton, drumming group Katari Taiko and Latin band Mazacote.