Torontonians gathered in City Hall's Nathan Phillips Square to listen to music, watch the square light up and see the spectacular fireworks as the Cavalcade of Lights Festival was kicked off on Saturday, November 28, 2009. We wore reindeer antlers and headed onto the elevated walkways running along the edge of the square to get a good view of the stage, the rink and the 50' Christmas tree. The weather was very nice for so late in the year - it's so close to Christmas.
Scotiabank presented the 43rd edition of the festival with hosts CityNews Meteroligist Michael Kuss and radio personality Maie Potts. Michael made a prediction for the musical guests and the weather for the event and of course he was wrong. Mayor David Millar kicked off the lighting of the square. Most available surfaces had lights and they lit up the evening in white, red and yellow.
Musical guest stars were Steven Page, Matt Dusk, Keshia Chante and Fritz Helder and the Phantoms. Each star sang about three songs each.
Steven Page, formerly of Bare Naked Ladies, looks out into the large crowd. He did a few songs from his past.
Well dressed crooner Matt Dusk sang from his new album. In this Youtube video I sweep the camera over the large gathering and into the skating rink under the freedom arches while Matt sings his latest single.
Keshia Chante sings for the large crowd.
Fritz Helder and the Phantoms take to the stage. This group also had fire jugglers on stilts performing during their songs.
The rink was packed full of those enjoying the exercise and the music.
The fireworks created a lot of smoke but made a nice show even though the smoke quickly made it hard to see many of the fireworks, especially those on top of City Hall. Most of the fireworks were sparkler type rockets. One blazing piece fell down onto Bay Street, cordoned off for just such an event.
Future shows will be held on December 5, 12 and 19 and will also include fireworks. You can see the many people gathered looking towards the stage in this picture. After the fireworks are over a DJ takes over the square until 10 pm.
