Swiss team wins 24th Hannover International Pyrotechnics Competition

On the evening of Saturday, September 20, it was announced that first place had been awarded to “Sugyp SA.” The Swiss pyrotechnicians’ outstanding performance allowed them to outshine their four international rivals. The Swiss team delighted the audience at the Grand Jardin in Herrenhausen with their brilliant pyrotechnic choreography set to the soundtracks of the James Bond films. By perfectly meeting the competition’s requirements and presenting a harmonious blend of pyrotechnic and musical effects, the team also succeeded in impressing the jury of ten independent experts. Second place went to the Czech team “Flash Barrandov,” while the Japanese team (“Marutamaya Co”) finished in third place.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140921/706675-a )
     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140921/706675-b )

Over the course of five Saturdays between May and September 2014, top-tier teams from the Czech Republic, Great Britain, Switzerland, Japan, and Greece presented breathtaking fireworks displays in the baroque setting of the Herrenhausen Gardens, attracting a total of approximately 51,000 visitors eager to find out who would win. Designed to offer a taste of each participating team’s country and featuring original elements such as Baroque equestrian displays, a kimono fashion show, alphorn music, as well as artistic, musical, and comedic performances, a supporting program kept the audience entertained while they waited for the fireworks to begin.

Hans Christian Nolte, Executive Director of Hannover Veranstaltungs GmbH (HVG), the event’s organizer, was also very pleased: “We are particularly pleased that pyrotechnicians view their participation as an opportunity in itself, which consistently confirms that the Hannover International Fireworks Competition is one of the most respected and beloved events in the world.”

The team that won this year’s competition, hailing from the French-speaking town of Grandson, has not only been active in its home country for over 40 years but is also in high demand around the world. To meet this international demand, Sugyp SA established a subsidiary in Abu Dhabi in 2011. They have collaborated notably with the famous Cirque du Soleil, as well as with companies such as Montblanc, Gucci, and the watch brand Audemars Piguet. The Swiss team also organized shows for the opening ceremony of the Junior World Ski Championships in Crans-Montana (2010) and for the World Orienteering Championships in La Chaux-de-Fonds (2010). It has also participated in numerous prestigious international competitions, such as “L’International des Feux Loto-Québec” in Canada (2012).

The rules of the International Fireworks Competition are clearly defined: the fireworks display must last a total of approximately 25 minutes and include a four-minute compulsory section.

The competition dates for 2015: May 16, June 6, August 8, September 5, and September 19.

For more information, visit: http://www.hannover.de/en/fireworks

Media contacts:
Julia Sellner
Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH
Tel: +49(0)511/123490-13
presse@hannover-marketing.de