Before South Africa performed in the annual Celebration of Light fireworks festival, the blazing sunset and spectacular thunderstorm provided some natural fireworks for revellers on the beaches in English Bay.

The sun dipping below the overcast horizon.

The sun disappearing over of the mountaintops of Howe Sound.

The sky lighting up over English Bay. I love how the sky reflects on the ocean below.

The fiery skies lit up above the peaks of Bowen Island.

Probably the first time in my life I’ve seen such an incredible natural display of awe and wonder. With so much thunder and lightning bolts streaking across the sky combined with the fiery sunset over the bay, it was extraordinary.

The flash illuminating just how hard it was raining outside.

Here is an amazing time-lapse video of the entire day, including the sunset and the fireworks.

Tags: english bay, fireworks, natural, sunset