The Czech Republic Wins the 23rd International Fireworks Competition in Hannover

The Czech Republic Wins the 23rd International Fireworks Competition in Hannover

HANNOVER, Germany, September 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --



- Cross reference: Picture is available at epa european pressphoto agency


(http://www.epa.eu) and http://www.presseportal.de/pm/42831 -



The winner of the 23rd International Fireworks Competition in Hannover comes from the
Czech Republic! Yesterday evening (21 September), it was announced that first place went
to the "Flash Barrandov Special Effects" team. The excellent presentation by the Czech
pyrotechnic specialists put them ahead of their four international rivals. The team from
the Czech Republic succeeded in captivating the audience in the Great Garden with a
brilliant fireworks choreography named "The Human Game". It also convinced the jury of ten
independent experts with its perfect rendering of the competition requirements and a
harmonious tapestry of pyrotechnic and musical effects. Second place went to France, Italy
finished third.



On five Saturdays between May and September 2013, top teams from Portugal, France, the
Czech Republic, Italy and South Africa presented breathtaking fireworks displays in the
baroque atmosphere of Herrenhausen Gardens, attracting a total of around 50,000 visitors
as they fought for victory. A supporting programme themed to tie in with the country of
the performing team and featuring items such as baroque equestrian skills, chansons,
reggae, cabaret, as well as many more musical and dance acts, entertained the audiences as
they waited for the fireworks displays to begin.



Hans Christian Nolte, Managing Director of Hannover Veranstaltungs GmbH (HVG) which
organises the event, was equally satisfied: "Internationally respected top teams once
again took part and thrilled the spectators. We are particularly pleased that the
participants as well as the applicants take such a keen interest in our International
Fireworks Competition and in being part of it. This confirms that the competition in
Hannover is one of the most highly respected and popular anywhere in the world."



"Flash Barrandov Special Effects" from Prague are considered to be the leading company
for pyromusical shows and special effects in the Czech Republic. These pyrotechnicians
have already won countless prizes at international competitions in Cannes (2008), Szczecin
(2012), Quebec (2011), Madeira (2006) and Brno and came in second in Hannover in 2006. The
special effects created by this Czech company ensure that it is in great demand the world
over: the team works in the film industry and has been booked for blockbusters such as
Alien vs. Predator, Hellboy and The Bourne Identity.



The rules of the International Fireworks Competition are clearly defined: the
fireworks display has to last a total of approx. 25 minutes and include a four-minute
compulsory section. Before the pyrotechnic experts could give free rein to their
creativity this year, they had to present a fireworks choreography to an excerpt from
"Dance of the Furies" by Christoph Willibald Gluck. When planning the displays, the teams
are asked to take their cue from the baroque gardens. They have to include a specified
number of ground elements, but other than that there are very few restrictions as regards
their inventiveness, choice of music and imagery. The jury awards marks for criteria such
as technical execution, technical perfection, the quality and variety of the different
effects and the synchronisation of music and fireworks.



The 24th International Fireworks Competition will begin on 17 May 2014 with a display
by this year's winners from the Czech Republic. Ticket sales are expected to begin in
December.



Competition dates in 2014: 17 May, 31 May, 23 August, 6 September, 20 September



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




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


Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH


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