Advance ticket sales for the 24th International Fireworks Competition in Hanover begin (Dec. 2, 2013)

Just half a year to go: The International Fireworks Competition in the Herrenhausen Gardens is entering its 24th edition. Between May and September, renowned fireworks artists from around the world will once again captivate audiences with their fireworks shows featuring spectacular pyrotechnic effects and perfectly synchronized music! Just in time for St. Nicholas Day and Christmas, advance ticket sales begin on December 3. “Spectators can look forward to artistic choreography and an exciting competition,” promises Hans Christian Nolte, managing director of Hannover Veranstaltungs GmbH (HVG), which organizes the competition.

In addition to last year’s winner from the Czech Republic, the HVG has selected top teams from England, Switzerland, Japan, and Greece to participate. “There is great interest from international teams in our competition—we are proud to be known among pyrotechnicians around the world. This international reputation will once again help us welcome top-class pyrotechnicians to Herrenhausen in 2014,” says Nolte.

Last year's winner, the Czech Republic (May 17)

The 24th International Fireworks Competition will kick off on May 17 with the Czech team “Flash Barrandov Special Effects,” which prevailed over its competitors at the last competition with its outstanding fireworks choreography “The Human Game.” Flash Barrandov is considered the leading company for pyromusical shows and special effects in the Czech Republic. The pyrotechnicians from Prague have already won numerous awards at international competitions in Quebec (2011), Cannes (2008), Madeira (2006), and Brno. The company is in demand worldwide for its special effects and has been booked for blockbusters such as The Bourne Identity and Hellboy.

England (May 31)

In keeping with the “Year of Britain”—which is bringing plenty of British flair to Hanover through the Lower Saxony State Exhibition “When the Royals Came from Hanover” and with Great Britain serving as the partner country for CeBIT 2014—a team from England will also be competing in the Herrenhausen International Fireworks Competition.  “1st Galaxy Fireworks” is one of the UK’s leading pyrotechnics companies—and, with a history spanning nearly 30 years, can look back on many thousands of fireworks displays that have thrilled millions of spectators. For example, in 2010 the English team was among the finalists at the British Firework Championships, took second place twice at the British Pyro Musical Championships—and won third prize at the “Champion of Champions Firework Display Competition” in Plymouth in 2013. On May 31, the British team will demonstrate their skills in the Herrenhausen Gardens.

Switzerland (August 23)

After the summer break, the International Fireworks Competition continues on August 23 with the Swiss team Sugyp SA. Based in the French-speaking town of Grandson, these pyrotechnicians have not only been active in their home country for over 40 years—operating the largest fireworks distributor in French-speaking Switzerland—but are also in high demand internationally. To meet the demand from abroad, the Swiss company even established a subsidiary in Abu Dhabi in 2011. Their portfolio includes fireworks displays for Cirque du Soleil, for companies such as Montblanc, Gucci, and the watch manufacturer Audemars Piguet. Shows for major sporting events, such as the opening ceremony of the Junior Ski World Cup in Crans-Montana (2010) or the World Orienteering Championships in La Chaux-de-Fonds (2010) are just as much a part of the Swiss company’s repertoire as participation in international competitions (e.g., L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, 2012).

Japan (September 6)

On September 6, Herrenhausen will welcome visitors from Asia: Marutamaya Co. is Japan’s leading fireworks company—and has already presented traditional Japanese fireworks, which are characterized above all by their artistic merit, precise shapes, and colors, in cities around the world such as New York, Montreal, Paris, London, Düsseldorf, Bregenz, Seville, Brno, Moscow, Sydney, and Hong Kong. It is also the high artistic quality of the Japanese fireworks that has earned the company an international reputation and numerous awards. For example, they took 3rd place at the International Firework Competition in Montreal (1994), 1st place (2005) and 2nd place (2013) at the Flammende Sterne competition in Ostfildern, and in 2008 won the Public Jury Prize and Czech TV Prize at Ignis Brunensis in Brno.

Greece (September 20)

The 24th International Fireworks Competition concludes on September 20 with a show by the Greek team “Nanos Fireworks & Special Effects.” The company, now in its fourth generation, is the oldest and largest fireworks company in Greece. The Greeks’ extensive list of references includes spectacular events such as the fireworks displays for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Athens (2004), the Eurovision Song Contest (2006), the UEFA Champions League Final (2007), and concerts by stars such as Jennifer Lopez and AC/DC. The Greeks have also been extremely successful in competitions. For example, they won the “Flammende Sterne” competition in Ostfildern (2005) and took first place at the 6th International Music Fireworks Festival in Shanghai, China (2011).

Supporting Program and Advance Ticket Sales

The competition is rounded out by a diverse supporting program. Before the fireworks teams enchant the audience with their interpretation of the compulsory routine and a subsequent freestyle routine, live music, cabaret, and theater performances—all themed around the participating countries—will entertain visitors of all ages starting at 6:30 p.m.

In 2013, a total of around 50,000 visitors attended the fireworks competition in Herrenhausen over the course of five events.

Tickets for the 24th International Fireworks Competition will be available starting December 3 at the Hanover Tourist Information Office, Ernst-August-Platz 8, as well as at all known ticket outlets, for 17.50 (reduced price 14.50 euros). Tickets can be booked online using the order form at www.hannover.de/feuerwerk.

Ticket hotline: +49 (0)511 / 12345-123

Gift idea: A season pass for all five events for 80 euros per person, or a family ticket (valid for one event) for two adults and two children for 46.50 euros.

For anyone who would like to combine a visit to the 24th International Fireworks Competition with an overnight stay in Hanover—or who would like to give the gift of a taste of the fireworks competition—the HMTG has put together the “Hanover Explosive” experience package. For more information, visit www.hannover-erlebnispakete.de

An overview of the 2014 dates:

May 17 Flash Barrandov Special Effects, Czech Republic

May 31 1st Galaxy Fireworks, England

August 23 Sugyp SA, Switzerland

September 6 Marutamaya Co., Japan

September 20 Nanos Fireworks & Special Effects, Greece

Further information is available at:www.hannover.de/feuerwerk