QUICK SUMMARY
Vancouver's Honda Celebration of Light fireworks festival has been cancelled indefinitely due to rising costs and decreased funding. Organizers from the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society express that inflation and lack of government support have made it impossible to continue the event. The cancellation marks a significant loss for families who have attended the festival for years.
The Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society announced the indefinite cancellation of the Honda Celebration of Light due to rising costs and reduced funding. Co-chair Michael McKnight highlighted that the festival can no longer depend on federal and provincial support, with no federal funding received in 2025. The event, which has provided free entertainment for families in the Lower Mainland for years, represents a significant cultural tradition. Executive producer Paul Runnals expressed the emotional pain felt by volunteers and partners due to this decision. The society has faced financial struggles for years, worsened by the recent withdrawal of sponsorship from companies like Scotiabank. Organizers are about $1 million short this year, making it impossible to proceed without additional funding. McKnight noted that the board is awaiting a response from the federal government regarding a long-term funding commitment. They remain hopeful that transparency about the financial challenges will prompt potential partners to help revive the festival in the future.