Swiss team wins the 24th International Fireworks Competition in Hannover (21.09.2014)

On the evening of Saturday, 20 September, it was announced that first place went to “Sugyp SA”. The excellent presentation by the Swiss pyrotechnic specialists put them ahead of their four international rivals. The team from Switzerland succeeded in captivating the audience in the Great Garden with a brilliant fireworks choreography based on the James Bond title music. They also impressed the jury of ten independent experts with its perfect rendering of the competition requirements and a harmonious tapestry of pyrotechnical and musical effects. Second place went to “Flash Barrandov” from Czech Republic, with, Japan (“Marutamaya Co”) finishing third.

On five Saturdays between May and September 2014, top teams from the Czech Republic, Great Britain, Switzerland, Japan and Greece presented breathtaking fireworks displays in the baroque atmosphere of the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, attracting a total of around 51,000 visitors as they competed for victory. A supporting programme – themed to tie in with the country of the performing team and featuring items such as baroque equestrian skills, a kimono fashion show and alphorn sounds, as well as artistic, musical and comedy acts – entertained the audiences as they waited for the fireworks to begin.

Hans Christian Nolte, Managing Director of Hannover Veranstaltungs GmbH (HVG) which organizes the event, was equally satisfied: “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.”

This year’s winning team, headquartered in the French-speaking town of Grandson, has not only been active in their home country for over 40 years, but they are also in great demand worldwide. To satisfy requests from abroad, Sugyp SA founded a subsidiary company in Abu Dhabi in 2011. Their credits include fireworks for the famous Cirque du Soleil, for companies such as Montblanc, Gucci and watch manufacturer Audemars Piguet. The Swiss team have also put on shows for the opening ceremony of the Junior Ski World Cup in Crans-Montana (2010) and the Orienteering World Championship in La Chaux-de-Fonds (2010).  They have also taken part in many prestigious international competitions such as the “L’International des Feux Loto-Québec” in Canada (2012).

The rules of the International Fireworks Competition are clearly defined: the fireworks display is required to last about 25 minutes and include a four-minute compulsory section.

Competition dates in 2015: 16 May, 6 June, 8 August, 5 September, 19 September.

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