Dozens of floats will add to the shine from over a million lights for the annual Ladysmith Light Up parade Thursday evening. (Boats&Cars&Places YouTube)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

shining bright

Ladysmith’s Festival of Lights primed for big show, despite no fireworks

Nov 28, 2024 | 9:40 AM

LADYSMITH — One of central Vancouver Island’s biggest and most beloved holiday events runs Thursday evening.

The Festival of Lights down 1st Ave. in Ladysmith officially gets underway on Thursday, Nov. 28 with a Christmas craft fair followed by street entertainment and more.

Santa will flick the switch on over a million lights hung up, down and across 1st Ave. at 6:30 p.m., with a parade to follow at 6:45 p.m.

Organizers are reminding those heading down Thursday to leave their pets at home as the event is closed to all dogs, except approved service dogs.

A big change for the 2024 event will be the absence of a fireworks show after the parade wraps late in the evening.

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Organizers in partnership with Ladysmith & District Credit Union (LDCU), who typically sponsor the show, said changes to fire and safety regulations meant the show was unable to work this year.

“We had hoped to make this year’s fireworks display the largest yet, in celebration of LDCU’s 80 years in Ladysmith, “John de Leeuw, CEO of the credit union, said. “Despite every effort by LDCU and the Festival organizers to overcome obstacles and find a solution, it wasn’t feasible.”

Instead, additional resources have been put into street and stage performances prior to the lightup.

Jugglers, stilt walkers and more from performers with theatre, opera and Cirque Du Soleil are all expected to perform.

“We’re thrilled to have so many acts to choose from…which allows us to create a truly custom, dynamic experience for Ladysmith,” Laura Goodwin, a board member with the festival, added.

Lights will remain up and on nightly until the second Sunday in January, offering viewers a roughly six-week window to view the display.

The event was founded in 1987.

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