CTV British Columbia is a proud sponsor of Vancouver 125 - celebrating the City of Vancouver's 125th Birthday on April 6th.

Celebrate Birthday Live with us at Jack Poole Plaza for some free fun events including DJs, food, special performances including 54-40, official lighting of the Olympic cauldron and a BIG birthday cake.

Get your free photo taken at the CTV Snapshot Tent between 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

CTV News will broadcast live-on-location with Coleen Christie, Mike Killeen and Tamara Taggart from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Watch for our feature stories on the history of Vancouver and what the future holds for our growing world class city.

Program highlights for Birthday Live at Jack Poole Plaza include:

  • Street hockey tournament for adult and youth teams from 2 to 5 p.m.
  • Official ceremonies with Mayor Gregor Robertson, leaders of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations and other dignitaries
  • Olympic Cauldron lighting
  • A giant birthday cake created by the faculty and students at Vancouver Community College Baking and Pastry Arts Department. Free cake will be served to the crowd.

Main stage performances running from 4 to 10 p.m.:

  • 54-40, the iconic Canadian alternative rock band with deep Vancouver roots, will headline the Birthday Live main stage as they celebrate their 30th anniversary.
  • Dene singer/songwriter Leela Gilday whose recent acclaim includes a Western Canadian Music Award, a Canadian Aboriginal Music Award, and an Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Award. 
  • World renowned percussion ensemble, Uzume Taiko, who infuse traditional Japanese taiko drumming with a unique West Coast style.
  • Bend Sinister, on the leading edge of Vancouver’s vibrant indie music scene, and a band loved for their high energy shows.
  • Vancouver Bach Choir will lead the crowd in singing O Canada and Happy Birthday.
  • mmHoP dancers take centre stage for a birthday dance party.

Visit vancouver125.ctv.ca or celebratevancouver125.ca/ for all Vancouver 125 events, celebrations and initiatives throughout 2011, including artist bios and photos.