Participating countries in the 2017 Honda Celebration of Light include Japan (Saturday, July 29), United Kingdom (Wednesday, August 2), and Canada (Saturday, August 5).

Each team will be represented by a fireworks production company from their own nation—AKARIYA Fireworks will represent Japan, Jubilee Fireworks for the United Kingdom, and Royal Pyrotechnie will be putting on the fireworks display for Canada.

In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, each competing team will be required to incorporate an iconic Canadian song into their fireworks display.

This is where it gets interesting: the public will be engaged to decide which Canadian tune will be included in the firework performances. Voting takes place through April 2 on the Honda Celebration of Light Facebook page.

Here is the full list of the Canadian song choices:

• Leonard Cohen- “Hallelujah”
• The Tragically Hip- “Ahead By A Century”
• Chantal Kreviazuk- “Surrounded”
• Michael Bublé- “Haven’t Met You Yet”
• The Weeknd- “Can’t Feel My Face”
• Celine Dion- “River Deep, Mountain High”
• Bryan Adams- “Summer of ‘69”
• Shania Twain- “Up!”
• Justin Bieber- “Where Are Ü Now”
• Spirit of the West- “Home For A Rest”

The 25 minute fireworks performances will begin at 10 p.m. each night, rain or shine. Accompanying music can be heard on LG 104.3 FM and from the festival’s mobile app. The winning team will be announced on August 8.

Those who don’t want to brave the crowds on various beaches can opt for a seat in the special viewing platforms and lounges, with the advance purchase of tickets. Ticketed areas include The Keg Lounge, The Inukshuk Lounge, YVR Observation Deck, and YVR Business Class Cabanas.

The Honda Celebration of Light is the largest free and public event in Vancouver. Last year’s festival attracted 1.2 million people over a span of three nights, with the final fireworks display (United States represented by the Walt Disney Company) breaking attendance records.

Source: The Georgia Straight