Press Release

International Firework Competition 2016

Contestants have already been decided.

Int. Firework Competition

As soon as one year’s competition is over, preparations start immediately for the next one: just two weeks after the final of the 25th International Firework Competition in Herrenhausen Gardens, the contestants for 2016 have already been decided. “Spectators can look forward to artistic choreographies, creative and dedicated teams and a thoroughly exciting competition,” promises Hans Christian Nolte, Managing Director of Hannover Veranstaltungs GmbH (HVG) which organises the International Firework Competition.

All next year’s teams will be newcomers to the top-class international pyrotechnic contest in Herrenhausen Gardens. For the first time in five years, the line-up will again include a team from Germany, IP Innovative Pyrotechnik. What’s more, the Ukraine will be represented for the first time ever in the history of the International Fireworks Competition in Herrenhausen.

Fireworks fans who wish to book a ticket or themed package as early as possible can already do so at www.hannover.de/onlineshop.

The teams in 2016

The 26th International Firework Competition will kick off on 21 May with the French team, Compagnie Pok sous les étoiles. Founded in 2009 by creative artists and experienced pyrotechnicians, the company is famous above all for its original effects, high artistic standard and powerful, emotion-packed shows. The displays by designer Arnaud Fouriau and his team are specially composed to make the most of the individual setting, for instance by producing 3D effects, featuring dancers or actors, or by means of other theatrical elements. This young company has already proved its talent at various festivals in the Benelux countries and as part of the French national holiday celebrations.

4 June is the date set for IP Innovative Pyrotechnik, the first German team to show off its skills at Herrenhausen Gardens since 2010: this global player is based near Stuttgart and the high standard of its displays has meanwhile made it a firm favourite on the international circuit and ensured that it has been in high demand for years. The team focuses on precisely choreographed indoor and outdoor productions which are in perfect time with the music, and its clientele consequently includes such famous names as AC/DC, the Rolling Stones and Tina Turner. The team headed by Joachim Berner and Ulrich Frick has already taken part in numerous international competitions and festivals, for instance in Shanghai, Cannes or Montreal. IP also organises the “Flammende Sterne” fireworks festivals in Ostfildern and Gera.

Visitors to the International Firework Competition on 20 August after the summer break can look forward to a team from a country which has never taken part before, the Ukraine: Dance of Fire was set up in 2001 and is one of the leading pyrotechnic companies in the Ukraine. The team’s prime aim is to deliver an unforgettable experience for the spectators. The Ukrainian team’s references include successful performances at the International Fireworks Festival at the Olympic Stadium in Donezk (2010), at the 2006 Ukrainian Firework Festival 2006 and the Pyronale in Berlin (2008). The company not only sells pyrotechnic products, but also performs fireworks displays set to music as well as colourful large-scale indoor and outdoor stage shows.

As well as ranking as one of the leading pyrotechnic companies in Belgium, H.C. Pyrotechnics is in demand all over Europe. Cliff Hooge’s team will take the stage in Hannover on 3 September. The organisers of the famous Belgian fireworks festival in Knokke-Heist have a number of impressive wins under their belt, such as the Gold Prize at the prestigious “Concours International de Feux d'Artifice Pyromélodiques” in Monaco, first places in Poland and Croatia and at the “Feuerwerkersinfonie” festival in Potsdam, Germany. When designing individually commissioned shows, for example in cooperation with Disney Channel in Benelux, the Belgians always work to their self-imposed standards of supreme quality and creativity.

The closing display will be provided on 17 September by Firemaster Productions from Canada. This company specialises in large-scale displays and has been producing world-class fireworks since 2006. For the last three years, the team has successfully organised Canada’s largest musical pyro show in Toronto and also won the Blackpool Fireworks Championships in 2014. Headed by Sean Morris, this team spends endless hours looking for the perfect music to match the location and subject matter, to create its unique, spectacular and modern shows. Spectators at the International Fireworks Competition in Hannover can also look forward to an unforgettable entertainment experience.

Supporting programme

The fireworks displays will be rounded off with a highly diverse supporting programme before the magnificent backdrop of Herrenhausen Gardens, which have just been awarded the accolade “Best Historic Garden in Europe”. Before the teams take the stage to captivate audiences with their interpretations of the compulsory section and subsequent free programme, acts chosen to tie in with the country of the performing team, ranging from live music, cabaret and outdoor theatre for all the family, will begin at 6.30 pm to keep visitors entertained while they wait for the start of the fireworks.

In 2015, the five events attracted a total of approx. 53,000 visitors to the International Firework Competition in Herrenhausen.

Dates in 2016:

21 May              Compagnie POK sous les étoiles, France
4 June               IP Innovative Pyrotechnik GmbH, Germany
20 August          Dance of Fire, Ukraine
3 September       H.C. Pyrotechnics, Belgium
17 September     Firemaster Productions, Canada

Click here for further information about the International Firework Competition Herrenhausen:  www.hannover.de/en/fireworks

Last updated: 6 Oct 2015