A fireworks show and a performance by Fritz Helder & the Phantoms marked the launch of the 43rd annual Cavalcade of Lights—a public festival that includes a series of free concerts and skating parties held throughout the month of December—at Nathan Phillips Square on Saturday.
The City of Toronto-run event, presented by Scotiabank, also featured performances by Keshia Chante, Steven Page, and Matt Dusk. DJ Tony Sutherland spun tunes for skaters during a tribute to Michael Jackson. Michael Kuss of CityTV and Maie Pauts of Chum FM—both media sponsors—hosted the event, which included the lighting of the city's official Christmas tree, decorated with ornaments from Brian Gluckstein's home collection and sponsored by the Bay.
The tree, a 68-foot tall old-growth pine sourced by Weller Tree Services, arrived in the square on October 31. "Neil Weller is the third-generation Weller to provide the Christmas tree to Toronto. They go out and find it for us," said Giannina Warren of the city's economic development, culture and tourism department. "We usually pick a tree that's near the end of it's natural lifespan."
Circus Orange is choreographing the weekly fireworks shows, and Pyro Guy, an artist who scales the City Hall towers during the show, is a new addition to the lineup this year. On Saturday, winter fairies mingled with the crowd and attendees received pinwheels bearing stickers with the Toronto 175 logo. "We used the pinwheels to promote Toronto's 175th anniversary," Warren said.
The fireworks, free concerts, and skating parties continue every Saturday night in December. Jully Black takes to the stage this Saturday, State of Shock performs on December 12, and Faber Drive performs on December 19. Several DJs—including DJ Jun, Promise DJs, and DJ Misty Rock n’ Roll—are slated to spin tunes throughout the month.
Nineteen neighbourhoods throughout the city—including GreekTown on the Danforth, Chinatown, Bloor West Village, and Bloor-Yorkville—are also presenting holiday light displays, sponsored by Toronto Hydro-Electric System, as part of the monthlong celebration.
