Symphony Splash facts for kids
The Victoria Symphony Splash is a super cool yearly event that happens in Victoria, British Columbia. It's like a giant outdoor concert where the amazing Victoria Symphony plays music right on a floating stage in the middle of Victoria's Inner Harbour! This special day is always on the Sunday before a holiday called British Columbia Day.
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What Makes the Splash So Special?
Music on the Water
The main part of the Victoria Symphony Splash is the live music. The talented musicians of the Victoria Symphony play their instruments while floating on a special barge. This barge is like a big, flat boat that sits in the middle of Victoria's Inner Harbour. Imagine hearing beautiful music echoing across the water!
Fireworks and Cannons!
Besides the awesome music, the event also has a huge fireworks show. The sky lights up with bright colors and loud bangs. There's even live cannon fire during a famous piece of music called the "1812 Overture". It's a really exciting part of the show!
A Huge Outdoor Party
This event is completely free for everyone to enjoy. Because it's so popular, about 40,000 people gather around the waterfront in Victoria. Many people watch from the lawns of the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and near The Empress Hotel. It's one of the biggest yearly symphony events in all of North America!
Watching from Boats
Hundreds of people also come to watch the concert from the water. They gather in their own boats and kayaks, creating a floating audience. It's a unique way to experience the music and the show. Each year, a talented young musician is chosen to perform with the orchestra, which is a great opportunity for them.
History and Recent Events
The Victoria Symphony Splash has been a favorite event for many years. However, like many events around the world, it faced some challenges recently.
Event Changes
The event in 2020 and 2021 had to be cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, instead of the usual big Splash, there was a ten-day "Splash Around Town" music festival. This festival brought music to different parts of the city. The full, big Victoria Symphony Splash event returned in 2025, bringing back all the excitement to the Inner Harbour.
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