A colorful spectacle against a magnificent backdrop: The 24th International Fireworks Competition in Hanover (April 25, 2014)

Five dates, five teams, five rounds of goosebumps: The International Fireworks Competition in the Herrenhausen Gardens is entering its 24th edition. Between May and September, renowned pyrotechnicians from around the world will once again captivate audiences with their fireworks displays featuring spectacular pyrotechnic effects and perfectly synchronized music! “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): Flash Barrandov

The 24th International Fireworks Competition will kick off on May 17 with a performance by the Czech team “Flash Barrandov Special Effects,” which prevailed over its competitors at last year’s 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 (2003). The company is in demand worldwide for its special effects and has been booked for Hollywood blockbusters such as The Bourne Identity and Hellboy.

England (May 31): 1st Galaxy Fireworks

In keeping with the “Year of Britain”—which is spreading plenty of British flair through the Lower Saxony State Exhibition “When the Royals Came from Hanover” and numerous other events—a team from England will also be competing in the International Fireworks Competition in Hanover on May 31. “1st Galaxy Fireworks” is one of the leading pyrotechnics companies in the United Kingdom and, in its nearly 30-year history, has put on many fireworks displays that have thrilled audiences. For example, the English team was among the finalists at the British Firework Championships in 2010, 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.

Switzerland (August 23): Sugyp SA

After the summer break, the International Fireworks Competition will resume on August 23 with the Swiss team Sugyp SA. Based in Grandson, these pyrotechnicians have been active in their home country for over 40 years and 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 at 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): Marutamaya Co.

On September 6, Herrenhausen will welcome visitors from Asia: Marutamaya Co. is Japan’s leading fireworks company—and has already showcased traditional Japanese fireworks, which are distinguished above all by their artistic merit and 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 displays that has earned the pyrotechnicians 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 won the Public Jury Prize and Czech TV Prize at Ignis Brunensis in Brno in 2008.

Greece (September 20): Nanos Fireworks & Special Effects

The 24th International Fireworks Competition concludes on September 20 with a show by the Greek team “Nanos Fireworks & Special Effects.” The company is now in its fourth generation and is the oldest and largest fireworks company in Greece. The Greeks’ extensive portfolio 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).

Schedule & Side Events 

A ten-member jury decides who wins the competition. The decision is based on the rules of the International Fireworks Competition.  The fireworks display lasts a total of about 25 minutes and begins with a compulsory segment that changes annually and lasts about four minutes. This year, the piece “Der Hexenritt” from the opera “Hansel and Gretel” by composer Engelbert Humperdinck was selected for this segment. This is followed by a free-form segment lasting approximately 20 minutes, which each team designs freely.

Before the teams enchant the audience on five summer evenings with their individual interpretations of the compulsory routine and subsequent free skate, an engaging supporting program featuring live music, cabaret, and theatrical performances themed around the participating countries will help pass the time for visitors starting at 6:30 p.m.

Highlights from the supporting program:

As part of the Czech supporting program on May 17, Pitch Bender offers a completely fresh take on jazz: he combines it with funk elements, creating a truly unique musical composition. The interactive circus Fidolos takes the youngest visitors on a journey through the colorful world of the circus, while jugglers and folkloric stilt walkers transform the gardens into a vibrant Czech spring.

Things will take on a very British flavor at the Herrenhäuser Gardens on May 31. England’s most charming street performer, Andy Snatch, will delight visitors with his original juggling act, and Charlie Chaplin—the greatest comedian of all time—will come to life again in Hanover. Another highlight: the Baroque equestrian show by the Vienna School.

On August 23, the band Alpcologne will transport the audience to Switzerland with a combination of alphorns and expressive voices, creating a magical musical experience that will still echo through the Alps. From there—and fresh from the alpine pasture—Heidi will visit the Herrenhäuser Gardens with a milk can and cheese under her arm.

Visitors from faraway Japan will arrive on September 6: The Masa-Daiko drumming group will perform a spectacular drumming display. The expressive kimono fashion show, featuring lucky dragon riders and geishas, will also transport the audience into the fascinating world of Japanese traditions.

On September 20, Anonimi, Mandragoras, and Imam Baildi will create a lively atmosphere and evoke a touch of melancholy wanderlust with their authentic Greek sounds. In addition, Nily Nils’s glow show will captivate audiences with its energy, skill, and plenty of humor, offering a fantastic combination of acrobatics, juggling, and vibrant energy.

This exciting and varied supporting program sets the perfect mood for the fireworks displays and skillfully highlights the unique atmosphere of each participating country. In 2013, a total of around 50,000 visitors were enchanted by the fireworks competition and its accompanying program over the course of five events. This year, too, a huge turnout is expected for the 24th International Fireworks Competition, which will transport visitors to fascinating, exotic countries.

Tickets for the 24th International Fireworks Competition are available at the Hanover Tourist Information Office, Ernst-August-Platz 8, as well as at all known advance-sale locations 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

Tip: A season pass for all five events costs 80 euros per person (available at the Tourist Information office and via the online form). A family ticket (valid for one event) for two adults and two children is available for 46.50 euros at the Tourist Information office, online, and at the box office.

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

For more information about the competition, visit:www.hannover.de/feuerwerk