The City of Vancouver has postponed a benefit concert planned for Rogers Arena to commemorate the Lapu Lapu festival tragedy.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim announced on social media yesterday that the steering committee for the Come Together: Vancouver Strong memorial had decided to postpone the large-scale event until next spring.
This comes just a few weeks after Vancouver city councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung brought forward a “time-sensitive, urgent motion” authorizing the City to enter into a no-fee contract with Canucks Entertainment Corp. for the use of Rogers Arena sometime in June.
Daniel Chai/ Daily Hive
“After thoughtful consideration, the steering committee for the Come Together: Vancouver Strong benefit concert has made the decision to work towards an event date in or around April 2026 to align with the one-year anniversary of the April 26 tragedy,” said Sim.
“Come Together: Vancouver Strong is about more than raising funds for those directly impacted. It’s about honouring the lives forever changed and creating space for our city to come together and collective healing, solidarity, and support.”
Filipino BC, organizers of Lapu Lapu Day, previously released a statement that urged the city to prioritize long-term recovery support as part of its commitment to those impacted.
“While we understand the City’s desire to create space for collective mourning and healing, it is critical that this process centres the voices of the families and affected communities,” said Filipino BC.
The planned memorial event will occur approximately a year after a driver plowed through a crowd at a Vancouver street festival celebrating the Filipino community and culture.
Vancouver Police confirmed 11 people were killed in the tragedy, with many more injured. Various GoFundMe fundraisers were launched to support victims and their families.
During the debate over the motion in June, Councillor Kirby-Yung explained that Brand Live would donate its production services free of charge and Ticketmaster would waive its fees. Any remaining funds would be donated to the Filipino community.
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
“As we move forward, we’re committed to working closely with a wide range of organizations and Community partners to ensure that this event reflects the voices, needs, and spirit of those it’s meant to serve,” added Sim.
“This will be a moment for Vancouver to show its strength, its compassion, and its unity.”
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