Surrey, B.C. – The City of Surrey is proud to welcome the 28th annual Bright Nights light display back to its original home in Surrey. This year, Bright Nights will be featured as part of the second annual Noel Holiday Light Festival, held from Nov. 28 to Dec. 28 at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Its homecoming showcases Cloverdale as a vibrant entertainment hub and a premier destination during the holiday season. The light display is produced through thousands of volunteer hours by over 800 firefighters and serves as the single largest annual fundraiser for the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. A portion of proceeds from Noel Surrey will be donated to support burn survivors across the province.
The tradition began in the mid-1980s when Surrey residents Bob Wingfield and Marg Barrett created an elaborate Christmas light display at their Newton home with support from Surrey firefighters. The display drew thousands of visitors annually while raising funds for burn survivors at Vancouver General Hospital. In 1997, Bob and Marg donated their light collection to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, creating Bright Nights, which went on to operate in Vancouver’s Stanley Park for more than 25 years.
“I am so excited to welcome Bright Nights back to Surrey,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “Two Surrey residents came together to create something special in their neighbourhood, reflecting the generosity and community spirit that define our city. Bringing Bright Nights to Noel Surrey in Cloverdale celebrates those values and supports our vision of Cloverdale as a thriving destination for businesses, visitors, and community opportunities.”
“As both a Surrey Fire Captain and President of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, I’m excited to see Bright Nights light up the Noel Holiday Light Festival in Surrey,” said Todd Schierling. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring this tradition to a wonderful new setting at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, and to continue creating a magical holiday experience that supports burn survivors across the province.”
At Noel Surrey, attendees can explore the Bright Nights display featuring nearly three million lights along an accessible path around the pond at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre. The festival also includes the Noel Village, a more than 30,000-square-foot indoor venue featuring a free children’s area including photos with Santa, the green and grumpy one, and holiday characters, as well as live music. The Noel Village also features a dining hub and an expanded Christmas market. In addition, guests can enjoy complimentary rides on the 50-ft Ferris wheel and bumper cars on select dates, as well as food and beverages from a variety of local food trucks. Tickets for children 6 and under are free, have no time restrictions, and are inclusive of all entertainment, attractions and parking. Noel Surrey also works with local school districts to provide tickets to low-income families.
“On behalf of the members of Local 1271, we extend a warm welcome to Bright Nights in Surrey,” said Saverio Lattanzio, president of the Surrey Fire Fighters. “We take great pride in our community and in our longstanding support of the BCPFF Burn Fund. The chance to raise funds for such a meaningful cause while celebrating the holiday season is something we truly value.”
In keeping with tradition, the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund will welcome donations to support vital programs for burn survivors, including Home Away at the Burn Fund Centre—a safe and welcoming place for those undergoing treatment in Vancouver. A portion of proceeds from Noel Surrey will also benefit the Burn Fund, ensuring survivors and their families get the support they need this holiday season.
For more information about the Noel Holiday Light Festival, now with the magic of Bright Nights, visit noelfestival.com.
