It was a very exciting day for the brand.LIVE group as they were sent out to sea to get a glimpse of where the magic of the fireworks happen. Patrick Brault, the president of Sirius Pyrotechnic and producer of the show was kind enough to bring the brand.LIVE staff on a tour of the 500 foot barge.

The only way to get to the barge is via water; usually in a tugboat. The barge crew is picked up each morning at the Vanier Park launching ramps and taken out to the barge and returned to shore each evening. Only authorized visitors are allowed on the barge.

The two sand-covered barges anchored 300 meters from the shore at English Bay are the stages for the Celebration of Light fireworks. The barges are anchored down by six, four ton anchors to keep them secure. On the barge, there is a vast amount of sand that is spread evenly from one end of the barge to the other and mortars (the cylinders from which the fireworks are launched) are then planted into the sand. During each show, anywhere from 2,000 to 4,500 bombs are set off.

The barges provide a safe firing location for fireworks as they are flexible and fireproof launching pads. The barge is equipped with a firing booth, sheds for storing mortars and supplies as well as three trailers: one with showers and bathroom facilities, one with an office and broadcasting facilities for the music, and one with a kitchen and dining room, where Patrick graciously served the brand.LIVE group a delicious lunch.

It was very interesting to see the amount of work the pyrotechnic crew puts in to each night of the fireworks and a huge amount of gratitude must be given to these men who are able to put on the largest offshore firework festival for the people in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.