Grab your hat and scarf and get ready for the big countdown: 2017 is on its way at long last!
And there will be no better place to celebrate a bright and shiny new year than at Victoria’s iconic Inner Harbour.
As all proud Canadians know, 2017 is a very special year for Canada, as it marks the country’s 150th anniversary – so there are more reasons than ever to get out and about and take part in the festivities this New Year’s Eve.
This year’s special ‘Spirit of 150 Victoria – First Night’ event will feature festive lighting displays, live music, spectacular fireworks and plenty of delicious dishes from local food vendors.
Taking place on Saturday December 31 from 5pm to 9.30pm, the event will kick-off with a First Nations Welcome Ceremony and performances by the Lekwungen Dancers and the Esquimalt Singers on the First Night main stage, which will be located on the corner of Belleville and Government Streets - between the Royal BC Museum and the Legislature Building.
The First Night main stage will showcase a diverse range of regional and local talent throughout the evening. Headlining the celebrations will be Vancouver-based Dear Rouge, the husband and wife Juno-winning duo of Drew and Danielle McTaggart. Their song, I Heard I Had peaked in the top 10 of the alternative and rock charts in Canada.
Cuban-born BC resident Alex Cuba will also be spicing up the stage with sugar-sweet melodies and pop-soul hooks. Cuba has won multiple awards, including two Juno awards and a Latin Grammy award.
Rounding off the stage performances will be the Vic High R&B Performance Band, featuring youths from grades nine to 12. They will be accompanied by local 12-piece R&B band, The Midnights.
Creative lighting displays and projections on the harbour’s fabulous buildings will set the tone for this welcoming, illuminated, family-friendly event. Large screens will flank the main stage and additional screens will be located along Government Street, so you won’t miss a moment of the fun.
The event will then culminate with a spectacular fireworks display at 9pm over Victoria’s glorious Inner Harbour. The display is being timed to coincide with the fireworks in the nation’s capital.
Best Western Plus Inner Harbour is ideally located in Victoria’s gorgeous Inner Harbour. Offering a delicious complimentary full breakfast, well-appointed rooms and personalized service, it really is a great option for a fabulous New Year getaway. Another convenient option close to the harbour is the Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza.
Happy 150 Canada!
