The Czech Republic wins the 23rd International Fireworks Competition in Hanover

Last night (September 21), it was announced that the top spot on the podium had been awarded to the “Flash Barrandov Special Effects” team. The Czech pyrotechnicians’ outstanding performance allowed them to outshine their four international rivals. The Czech team delighted the audience at the Grand Garden in Herrenhausen with its brilliant pyrotechnic choreography titled “The Human Game.” By perfectly meeting the competition’s requirements and presenting a harmonious blend of pyrotechnic and musical effects, the team also succeeded in winning over the jury of ten independent experts. Second place went to France, and Italy finished third.

Over the course of five Saturdays between May and September 2013, top-tier teams from Portugal, France, the Czech Republic, Italy, and South Africa presented breathtaking fireworks displays in the baroque setting of the Herrenhausen Gardens, attracting a total of approximately 50,000 visitors eager to find out who would win. Designed to offer a taste of each participating team’s home country and featuring original elements such as Baroque equestrian displays, songs, reggae, and cabaret, a supporting program kept the audience entertained while they waited for the fireworks to begin.

Hans Christian Nolte, managing director of Hannover Veranstaltungs GmbH (HVG), the company organizing this event, was equally pleased: “This year, internationally renowned teams once again participated and delighted the spectators.  We are particularly pleased that these pyrotechnicians and the other contestants view the opportunity to participate as a mark of recognition in its own right. This confirms that the Hanover International Pyrotechnics Competition is one of the most respected and popular in the world.”

Based in Prague, “Flash Barrandov Special Effects” is considered the leading company for pyromusical shows and special effects in the Czech Republic. These pyrotechnicians have already won countless awards at international competitions in Cannes (2008), Szczecin (2012), Quebec (2011), Madeira (2006), and Brno, not to mention a second-place finish in Hannover in 2006. Thanks to its special effects, this Czech company is in high demand around the globe. It works regularly in the film industry and has even contributed to blockbusters such as Alien vs. Predator, Hellboy, and The Bourne Identity.

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. This year, before they could give free rein to their creativity, the pyrotechnicians had to present a pyrotechnic choreography set to an excerpt from Christoph Willibald Gluck’s “La Danse des Furies.” When planning their show, the teams must draw inspiration from Baroque gardens and include a specific number of ground-based elements. But apart from that, their inventiveness and their musical and visual choices are limited only by a minimal number of restrictions.  The jury awards points based on criteria such as technical execution and precision, the quality and variety of the different effects, as well as the synchronization of the music and the fireworks.

The 24th International Fireworks Competition will kick off on May 17, 2014, with a performance by the Czech team, which won this year's competition. Tickets are expected to go on sale in December.

Contest dates for 2014: May 17, May 31, August 23, September 6, and September 20

For more information, visit: http://www.hannover.de/en/fireworks, www.hannover.de/fr, and www.visit-hannover.com/en/press

Press Contact:
Julia Sellner
Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH
Vahrenwalder Strasse 7
D-30165 Hanover
Tel: +49(0)511/123490-13
Fax: +49(0)511/123490-10
presse@hannover-marketing.de