Central location of Canada’s Convention Centre (that was built for the purpose of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games) in downtown Vancouver, easy access from SkyTrain, SeaBus and city transit lines made it a perfect stage for this type of celebrations in the presence of the neighbouring Olympic cauldron.
The event started with the youth and adults hockey tournament on the adjacent streets, blocked from traffic. Free and secured bike valet was available for those who came without cars.
BC Prime Minister Christy Clark delivering a speech during the 125th anniversary of Vancouver’s birthday.
Official ceremony started with Coast Salish Witness Ceremony by the Masqueam, Salish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations performances including ceremonial singing, drum beating by Uzume Taiko drummers and official speeches delivered by respective representatives of the aboriginal nations. They had been first inhabitants of the area of Georgia Straight before captain George Vancouver, a Dutch sailor in the service of the English Navy, set his foot on this land in 1886.
The short speeches were also delivered by City of Vancouver Mayor, Gregor Robertson and BC Prime Minister, Christy Clark. The opening ceremony also included lighting the Olympic cauldron.
Vancouver Bach Choir, 125th anniversary of Vancouver’s birthday.
Artistic part of the celebration included the singing of Vancouver Bach Choir who led the audience in singing “O, Canada” and “Happy Birthday” and then performed popular arias and choral favourites. In its 70 year of artistic activity, the choir performed in many cities around the world and won international musical competitions including European Broadcasting Union Sponsored “Let the Peoples Sing”.
Hop-Jump-Jive-125 interacting with the audience, 125th birthday of Vancouver.
The audience was then involved by mmHoP dancers who engaged all the audience gathered in front of the stage into the dance party to the tune of “Hop-Jump-Jive-125”, their multi-media performance art prepared especially for this occasion by Martha Carter.
Cutting the cake during125th birthday of Vancouver.
A special part of the celebration was the cutting a huge birthday cake, decorated with the city’s main tourist attractions, made of cream and sugar, which was then shared by all the audience lining up for a piece of it.
Kelowna originated Bend Sinister on telebeam, 125th birthday of Vancouver.
In the evening there were two concerts: Kelowna originated and now Vancouver based rock band Bend Sinister and 54-40 who are Canadian alternative rock icons, famous for their recording of “I go blind”, “Ocean pearl” or “Baby ran”.
Young aboriginal boy at the stage of 125th anniversary of Vancouver’s birthday.
The Olympic cauldron as a decoration of 125th anniversary of Vancouver’s birthday.
