Children’s activities launch 29th Splash

The Victoria Symphony Splash, possibly the most highly anticipated free outdoor summer concert of the year, takes place Sunday in the Inner Harbour.

This is the 29th year of the annual event, which sees the Victoria Symphony Orchestra and special guests perform on a floating stage to an audience of about 40,000 people.

Not only is the event one of the island’s signature events, it is also one of the largest outdoor orchestral performances in North America.

Entertainment starts at noon on the steps of the Legislature including children’s activities in the Family Zone throughout the afternoon.

The orchestral concert begins at 7:30 p.m. with music director Christian Kluxen and the Victoria Symphony and wraps up around 10 p.m. with a grand finale performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with fireworks and cannon shots.

The best vantage point on shore is directly in front of the barge, which will face the corner Government and Belleville streets. Note that seating is not allowed among the Welcome to Victoria flower beds.

Waves of music flowing across the lawn of the legislature make up for the lack of view of the performers.

The event is free, but donations are encouraged at red donation barrels. With a donation of $5, people will receive a Victoria Symphony button in return. The event runs noon to 10 p.m. Sunday in the Inner Harbour. For more information, go to victoriasymphony.ca/concerts/victoriasymphony-splash-4/