Portuguese Team Wins the 22nd International Fireworks Competition in Hannover

HANNOVER, Germany, September 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

- Cross reference: Picture is available at epa european pressphoto agency (http://www.epa.eu) and http://www.presseportal.de/pm/42831/2330679/ -

The results are out: the winner of the 22nd International Fireworks Competition in Hannover comes from Portugal! After the display by Croatia during the final round of the world's major fireworks competition last night (22 September), it was announced that first place went to the "Grupo Luso Pirotecnia" team. The excellent presentation by the Portuguese pyrotechnic specialists gave them the edge over their four international rivals. The team delighted the audience in the Great Garden of Herrenhausen with its philosophical and poetic fireworks choreography entitled "Astrum", which had been developed specially for the competition. Its perfect rendering of the competition requirements, harmonious tapestry of pyrotechnic and musical effects and high artistic standard also convinced the jury of independent experts. Second place went to Croatia, China finished in third place.

On five Saturdays between May and September 2012, top teams from Mexico, China, the UK, Portugal and Croatia presented breathtaking fireworks displays in the baroque atmosphere of Herrenhausen Gardens, attracting a total of around 49,000 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, mariachi, fado, 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: "This year, first-rate teams once again took part and thrilled the spectators. We are particularly pleased that the pyrotechnicians regard the chance to take part as an accolade in its own right and repeatedly confirm that the International Fireworks Competition in Hannover is one of the most highly respected and popular anywhere in the world."

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 Beethoven's Sixth Symphony. 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 23rd International Fireworks Competition will begin on 25 May 2013 with a display by this year's winners from Portugal. Ticket sales are expected to begin in November.

Competition dates in 2013: 25 May, 8 June, 24 August, 7 September, 21 September

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

Julia Sellner
Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH
Vahrenwalder Strasse 7
30165 Hannover
+49(0)511-123490-13
presse@hannover-marketing.de