SIGN UP
LOGIN
Canada’s largest fireworks event ended with a spectacular celebration and a big win for the East Coast. Fireworks FX from Nova Scotia was crowned the Honda Celebration of Light 2025 winner, claiming both the Judge’s Choice and the People’s Choice awards after a stunning final performance over Vancouver’s English Bay.
For fireworks professionals and advocates across Canada, this year’s show was more than a competition—it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when artistry, meaning, and pyrotechnic precision collide.
A Proud Win for Nova Scotia and Canadian Fireworks
This year’s Honda Celebration of Light was especially notable as it marked the first time in the event’s history that all participating teams were Canadian. Representing three regions—Yukon, Quebec, and Nova Scotia—each team brought its own flavour of creativity, cultural pride, and technical skill.
But it was Nova Scotia’s Fireworks FX that dazzled both the crowd and the judges, securing their place as the Honda Celebration of Light 2025 winner.
Fred Wade, president of Fireworks FX, shared that the win meant more than just accolades:
“This wasn’t just a fireworks show—it was storytelling in the sky. We wanted to represent not only Nova Scotia, but voices that aren’t always heard.”
Originally planning a Celtic-themed soundtrack, Wade pivoted after a conversation with his son and instead curated a show using 11 songs by Indigenous artists. The result was an emotional, powerful tribute that captivated over 500,000 spectators.
What Set the Honda Celebration of Light 2025 Winner Apart?
While all three teams put on impressive performances, Nova Scotia’s entry stood out for its emotional depth and cultural relevance. By pairing Indigenous music with expertly choreographed pyrotechnics, Fireworks FX reminded viewers that fireworks can be more than spectacle—they can be art, connection, and shared experience.
Social media lit up after the finale:
“Hands down the best show. The fireworks were synced so perfectly to the music. You could feel it,” one fan tweeted.
“They earned it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a crowd that moved by a fireworks show,” wrote another on Reddit.
The Honda Celebration of Light 2025 winner didn’t just light up the sky—they left an impression that resonated long after the last spark faded.
A Legacy Event in a Shifting Landscape
The Honda Celebration of Light, now in its 34th year, is one of the most prestigious and well-attended fireworks competitions in the world. Each summer, over a million attendees gather across Vancouver’s beaches, parks, and balconies to watch the best in the business take to the skies.
And this year, the impact was enormous:
- 1.2+ million attendees across three nights
- $265 million in economic benefit for British Columbia
- Widespread national media coverage of the Honda Celebration of Light 2025 winner
But despite the success, event organizers are raising concerns about the future. Rising costs—up 20–30% since the pandemic—and unstable funding models are putting next year’s celebration in jeopardy.
Why This Win Matters for Fireworks Advocates
For those in the fireworks industry and advocacy community, Nova Scotia’s win represents more than a trophy. It showcases the evolution and potential of fireworks in a modern, culturally conscious world.
The Honda Celebration of Light 2025 winner demonstrated that fireworks can:
- Embrace diverse storytelling
- Address environmental and cultural concerns
- Still deliver awe-inspiring entertainment
Fred Wade said it best:
“There’s a lot of talk these days about replacing fireworks with other things. But fireworks, when done responsibly and creatively, still have unmatched power to bring people together.”
This is a critical moment for the fireworks community to advocate for continued support of public displays, industry training, and recognition of fireworks as a legitimate art form—not just noise.
Three Nights, One Clear Winner
The competition included three Canadian teams:
- Team Midnight Sun from Yukon – July 19
- Royal Pyrotechnie from Quebec – July 23
- Fireworks FX from Nova Scotia – July 26
All three performances were exceptional, but the energy and emotion of the Nova Scotia show made them the undisputed Honda Celebration of Light 2025 winner.
From start to finish, their display painted a story across the sky—one rooted in reconciliation, pride, and unity.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
As the industry celebrates the Honda Celebration of Light 2025 winner, there’s also an important conversation happening behind the scenes. Can these types of events continue to thrive without reliable funding? Can municipalities and sponsors continue to invest in fireworks displays despite public pressure and rising costs?
The answer, according to those who attended this year’s show, is a resounding yes—if we continue to tell the right stories, in the right way, with the right intent.
The Honda Celebration of Light 2025 winner was more than a team that launched fireworks—they launched hope. Hope that fireworks still have a place in our cities. Hope that public celebrations can be meaningful and inclusive. And hope that our skies will continue to be lit by the creativity and craft of people who believe in the power of light.
Want to help protect the future of fireworks in Canada?
Stay connected with CNFA and follow us on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for the latest updates, advocacy efforts, and behind-the-scenes looks at events like the Honda Celebration of Light.
Panjabi 
English 
