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