Granville Strip turned into a street party on New Year's Eve (VIDEOS)

What did Vancouverites used to do as the clock approached midnight before the first annual Concord’s New Year’s Eve Vancouver fireworks in 2015? They gathered in the Granville Entertainment District for an impromptu celebration.

On December 31, 2019, thousands of people returned to Granville Street in downtown Vancouver to take part in any revelry they could find to ring in 2020.

• See also:
  • Seattle’s Space Needle NYE fireworks cancelled just minutes before midnight
  • Cypress, Grouse, and Seymour mountains cancel NYE fireworks
  • Concord’s NYE Vancouver fireworks relocating to False Creek for new world-class event
  • Vancouverites strip down for 100th annual Polar Bear Swim (PHOTOS)

While there were downpours throughout the day, there was a change in conditions as the evening progressed, with the winds and rainfall dying down towards midnight.

#HappyNewYear Vancouver! #LoveThisCity #NYE2020 @VancouverPD pic.twitter.com/2PEQs7Y7JJ

— Adam Palmer (@ChiefPalmer) January 1, 2020

During the years with the fireworks, crowds would flow in and out of the strip throughout the night like rising tides, with exoduses out of the strip and into Coal Harbour leading up to the 9 pm and midnight fireworks.

But with the cancellation of the 2019 fireworks, the Granville Strip was this year’s only public hub for celebrations.

In October, the not-for-profit, volunteer-based organizing committee announced their decision to cancel the event, as they were focusing their efforts and resources on relocating the fireworks to the East False Creek inner harbour between Cambie Bridge and Science World.

Artistic rendering of Concord’s New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration at East False Creek. (Vancouver New Year’s Eve Celebration Society)

The new event will entail multiple fireworks barges, and the synchronization of skyline lights with the fireworks, including the lights of the Science World dome.

This reimagined nighttime spectacular promises to be a world-class event — better than the previous Coal Harbour event — with its improved fireworks, lighting effects, skyline backdrop, and expanded viewing areas all around East False Creek.

Concord’s NYE will return on December 31, 2020 at its new home. Further details will be announced later this year.

Artistic rendering of Concord’s New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration at East False Creek. (Vancouver New Year’s Eve Celebration Society)

• See also:
  • Seattle’s Space Needle NYE fireworks cancelled just minutes before midnight
  • Cypress, Grouse, and Seymour mountains cancel NYE fireworks
  • Concord’s NYE Vancouver fireworks relocating to False Creek for new world-class event
  • Vancouverites strip down for 100th annual Polar Bear Swim (PHOTOS)