International fireworks competition

In 2026, the International Fireworks Competition will enter its 34th season. Under the theme “Dance of the Northern Lights,” teams from the North will compete against each other over five evenings between May and September.
 

Dates & teams at a glance

May 16, 2026: Denmark - Højen & Magic Fyrværkeri ApS

May 30, 2026: Norway - Pyroteknikk AS

August 15, 2026: Finland - Suomen Pyrotekniikka

September 05, 2026: Scotland - Fireworx Scotland Ltd

September 19, 2026: Sweden - Göteborgs FyrverkeriFabrik

Northern lights inspire pyrotechnics

Inspired by the Northern Lights, one of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomena, the five teams transform the sky above Herrenhausen into a vibrant display of color. Just as the Northern Lights blend color, movement, and emotion into a unique spectacle, the fireworks create a special magic that captivates the audience.

Each show begins with a mandatory group piece: “Jupiter” from Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite *The Planets*, performed by the NDR Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. The piece captivates with its powerful, cheerful rhythms. Following this, the teams unfold their own stories of light, color, and sound in a 25-minute free routine—individually choreographed and accompanied by music of their own choosing.

A supporting program with culinary offerings, picnic areas, live music and activities for children will shorten the time until the festive highlight - the fireworks. 

Teams and shows

May 16, 2026: Denmark - Højen & Magic Fyrværkeri ApS

Højen & Magic Fyrværkeri ApS has been one of Denmark's leading fireworks companies for over 30 years. The team specializes in elaborate pyromusicals and creates shows for renowned events such as Tivoli in Copenhagen, Legoland Billund and the Aalborg Carnival.

The company also impresses internationally, most recently in 2024 at competitions in Pamplona and Knokke-Heist. A particular milestone was the largest fireworks display in Danish history with over 6,000 firing points at the Tall Ships Races 2022 in Aalborg.

With their show “Celestial Emotions,” the team presents a stunning production that combines the vastness of the cosmos with the depth of human emotions through vivid imagery. An atmospheric blend of music, light, and emotion unfolds in the sky above Herrenhausen, merging sound and color into a moving narrative.
 

May 30, 2026: Norway - Pyroteknikk AS

Pyroteknikk AS was formed in 2023 from the merger of two companies with roots dating back to 1949 and is now one of Scandinavia's leading fireworks suppliers.

The team creates spectacular comprehensive concepts—ranging from traditional fireworks and pyrotechnics to lasers, special effects, and drones. With approximately 100 shows and more than 500 productions annually, Pyroteknikk operates both nationally and internationally, including at competitions such as the Pyronale in Berlin.

With their show “Between Shadow and Light,” the team presents a striking production that brings together contrasts in an emotional journey. Norwegian music blends with stunning visual effects to create a visual narrative that traces a path from dark, intense moments to bright, powerful images.
 

August 15, 2026: Finland - Suomen Pyrotekniikka

Suomen Pyrotekniikka, founded in 2003, is today the largest fireworks company in Finland and produces around 300 shows a year.

The team has also enjoyed international success, including awards in Riga and Courchevel as well as 2nd place and the audience award at the Pyronale Berlin 2023. One highlight was the largest fireworks display in Finnish history to mark the 100th anniversary of independence in Helsinki in 2016.

The Finnish team’s show is titled “Arctic Colors of Lapland” and takes the audience on a journey through the fascinating contrasts of Lapland’s natural landscape. Inspired by the two most striking seasons, fall and winter, the vibrant colors of the “ruskas,” the dance of the Northern Lights, and the glittering snowy landscape blend with music and special effects to create an atmospheric experience—a stunning tribute to the beauty of the far north.

September 5, 2026: Scotland - Fireworx Scotland Ltd

Fireworx Scotland, founded in 2003, is now one of the leading pyrotechnics companies in the United Kingdom. With more than 25 years of experience, the team creates shows ranging from classic city fireworks displays to large-scale productions for festivals and well-known clients such as the BBC and Radio 1.

One highlight was the opening fireworks display for the offshore wind farm in Aberdeen. Fireworx Scotland stands for creative, precise and spectacular productions.

The show “The Dance of Scottish Lights” is a stunning tribute to the spirit of Scotland. Inspired by the shimmering colors of the Northern Lights, traditional bagpipe music blends with modern rhythms to create a powerful interplay of music and light. The sky above Hanover becomes the stage for a proud, passionate, and unmistakably Scottish display of color.

September 19, 2026: Sweden - Göteborgs FyrverkeriFabrik

Göteborgs FyrverkeriFabrik (GFF), founded in 1994, is one of the most renowned fireworks companies in Scandinavia. Since winning its first international competition in 2001, the team has been active worldwide and has been awarded 26 gold trophies and numerous other prizes, including ten consecutive Swedish championship titles.

With innovative pyromusicals and state-of-the-art technology, GFF stands for creative, precise shows on international stages.

Inspired by the compulsory piece “Jupiter,” the Swedish team takes the audience on a melodious journey through the infinite expanses of the sky. Under the title “Sky High,” luminous planets, radiant suns, and sparkling constellations appear in the sky above the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, accompanied by monumental orchestral music. For one evening, Hanover becomes a gateway to the universe—spectacular, majestic, and, in the truest sense of the word: sky-high.

Advance Ticket Sales and Prices
Tickets are available online at https://www.feuerwerk-hannover.de/ticketshop/. A ticket costs 28 euros, or 25 euros with a discount. A family ticket for two adults and two children aged 6 to 14 is available for 75 euros; there is an additional charge of 12 euros for each additional child. Season tickets for all five dates cost 120 euros.

Premium experience with front-row tickets

Following last year’s successful debut, exclusive front-row tickets will once again be available in 2026 for select seating and lawn areas right next to the fireworks display.

Guests enjoy a special level of comfort here: while others must leave the evacuation zone, they can remain seated and enjoy a relaxing evening. Seats are limited.
Front-row tickets are available exclusively through the ticket shop and only in combination with a regular admission ticket.

At the main entrance, “Prinzentor,” guests will receive an access wristband for their reserved section (“Finger”) upon presentation of their ticket; this allows them to enter and exit the area at any time.

Supporting Program & Other Activities

From the start until the evening’s highlight—the fireworks—a diverse supporting program creates a special atmosphere: Street performers, live music, cabaret, dance, as well as activities for children and regional cuisine make the evening an experience for all the senses.
To kick things off on May 16, the Institute for Classical Equestrian Art Hannover e.V. will present an impressive demonstration of historical Baroque equestrian art featuring around 25 horses and challenging dressage figures.

Award ceremony is on the last event date (19.09.) around 22:00. 

Press tours The tours of the burn-off area (safety area) take place at 6 p.m. on each date, meeting point is in front of the cascade.

Experience packages 2026

For the 34th International Fireworks Competition, Hannover is offering attractive experience packages:

The "Sparkling Sky over Herrenhausen" package includes one night's accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star or 4-star hotel, as well as a ticket to the fireworks competition.

For a truly special experience, the “Exclusive” package is available: In addition to an overnight stay at a 4-star hotel and breakfast, it includes a 3-course meal and access to the grotto with a prime view of the fireworks.

Arrival and Departure

HVG strongly recommends that all guests use public transportation to get there. On the day of the event, the admission ticket is valid as a fare ticket for all public transportation throughout the entire ÜSTRA fare zone, starting three hours before the event begins until 5:00 a.m. the following day. The “Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen” stop (lines 4 and 5) is located directly at the entrances to the fireworks competition.

A parking guidance system will help manage outgoing traffic. Some of the outgoing traffic will be routed through uninhabited areas past the Graft, via Steintormarsch and Nienburger Straße, toward Königsworther Platz. On the two dates in May, traffic will be directed via Burgweg toward Haltenhoffstraße. On the remaining three dates, Burgweg will be closed to outgoing traffic due to construction. 
Parking is available at “Am Großen Garten” west of the gardens, “An der Graft” east of the gardens, and near the main east entrance.

With approximately 58,000 visitors expected, the International Fireworks Competition will once again be one of the highlights of Hannover’s event calendar in 2026.

To date, a total of approximately 23,700 tickets have been sold for the five events, in addition to nearly 600 of the 700 season tickets, which are already sold out—indicating very strong overall demand; furthermore, the FOR tickets are nearly completely sold out, with only a few remaining for the finale on September 19.

“With a varied supporting program and the exclusive front-row sections, we want to offer our guests unforgettable evenings in a unique setting,” says HVG Managing Director André Lawiszus.

For information and tickets, visit https://www.feuerwerk-hannover.de/