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

Hannover (ots) -

- 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: 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)511/12349010
presse@hannover-marketing.de