New Year's Eve fireworks to light up Vancouver for first time in decade

Vancouver's New Year's Eve Celebration Society has released details of the fireworks display at this year's free community New Year's Eve event, the first in more than a decade.

"We anticipate the same joyfulatmosphere experienced at past community celebrations that have taken place along CanadaPlace Way, such as Canada Day," said society presidentCharles Gauthier.

Celebrations will begin with a First Nation's welcomeon the waterfront on Canada Place Way,betweenHoweStreet andBurrardStreet, at 6 p.m. PT on Dec. 31.

This will befollowed by a DJset and lineup of live music including bandsBedof Stars, The Matinee,We Are The City, Dear Rouge and Current Swell.

Other attractions include food trucks, a kids' zone and a 9 p.m. countdown and three-minute firework displayfor youngsters.The main fireworksdisplaywill begin with the main New Year's countdown at midnight and last 11 minutes.

Where to watch the fireworks

The fireworks will be launched from a barge in Coal Harbour, west of the Canada Place pier, and will be accompanied byalive radio simulcast of synchronized music on radio station102.7 The PEAK FM.

Viewing locations include:

• Vancouver Convention Centre East Plaza
• Premium Fireworks Viewing Lounge (ticketed and soldout)
• Canada Place Way

However,organizers say the fireworks will not be viewable fromEnglish Bay and Kitsilano.

• DownloadNew Year's Eve Vancouver Fireworks Viewing Locations Map (PDF)

Free transit from 5 p.m.

Anyone with tickets for the sold-out premier lounge will have access from 8 p.m. onwards.Organizers say the New Year's Eve celebrations willtake place rain or shine and adviseresidents to come prepared.

If you're planning on staying at home in the warm,thecountdown event will be broadcastlive on Global B.C.

Drivers should note, the event areawill close at 5 p.m. Dec. 30 and will not reopen until noon on Jan. 1, to allow for preparations and cleanup.

Meanwhile, transit to and from downtown Vancouver will be free from 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve.