Pyrovision's News Archive 2004

October 2004
5th Shanghai International Music Fireworks Festival 2004
Challenge: To design und present fireworks to an audience, that has a huge amount of knowledge with regards to pyrotechnics.
Display: The show had the theme 'East meets West' and accordingly Chinese, English, Indian and French tracks were used for the music score. The Chinese crew worked very hard under the supervision of Pyrovision's pyrotechnicians to set up 1500 Shells together with numerous Cakes, Candles and Flares as well as a huge 2500 stick waterfall which ran along one side of the lake in Shanghai Century Park. The show itself had been programmed in England and only minor adjustment was necessary. The crowd of three hundred thousand appreciated the display and there was spontaneous applause for the more unusual sequences. It was a great experience and a huge honour to be voted runners up by the committee.

China Daily report & photos

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September 2004
Bank of Scotland Fireworks Display 2004 (Edinburgh Festival)
Challenge: To design and implement the largest display in Europe set to the music of Grieg's Peer Gynt.
Display: There was some doubt about the appropriateness of some of this very soft and slow music to accompany a firework display but these were soon dispelled. The use of a large variety of flares, ice fountains, gerbs, flame projectors and of course Pyrovision's range of quiet cakes did the music justice. One of the highlights of the display was of course the famous waterfall which was preceded by 25 smaller waterfalls to produce a flowing river of silver. The finale was 'The Hall of the Mountain King' which provided a fast and furious ending to the music and was reflected in the fireworks - using vast quantities of cylinder shells with tourbillion and screeches effects as well as tourbillions and spinner cakes the whole castle was turned into a sea of swirling silver.

"...a pyrotechnic display...with unbelievable accuracy of synchronisation with the music..." Edinburgh Evening News 06/09/04
"...the timing between sound and spectacle was impeccable..." www.edinburgh-festival.com official highlights

Photos from the show

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July 2004
Music on Fire at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst
Challenge: To design and produce a huge variety of effects for a spectacular multi media show held partially during daylight hours as well as appalling weather conditions.
Display: Battlefield simulation effects such as petrol bursts, bullet hits, black powder bursts, flame projectors and gas effects were mainly used in the first half of the show, which followed the history of the Army from World War I to the present day. As darkness fell fireworks from the roof and from behind the building supported the special effects used in this show. Luckily the wind eased off during the performance allowing the show to go ahead.

Photos from the show

All State Insurance Corporate Event at Luttrelston Castle, Dublin
Challenge: To provide spectacular fireworks set to music for an audience that was used to the fireworks in Sydney Harbour.
Display: Pyrovision wanted to show that it is possible to put on a fabulous display although lacking the background of Sydney harbour. Using the castle roof, terrace and the surrounding grounds the fireworks and effects had dynamics that took the guests by surprise. The rousing finale set to 'Ode to Joy' managed to move some of the audience to tears.

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June 2004
The Olympic Torch Concert
Challenge: To provide effects for live, televised event to celebrate the first time the Olympic flame has visited the UK since 1948.
Display: Emma Bunton had chosen silver gerbs and silver jets to end her contribution to this concert with a sparkle, Rachel Stevens performance was supported with silver Airburst but the highlight was of course the lighting of the Olympic fire by Sir Steve Redgrave on stage which was accompanied by large flames placed around the edges of the stage as well as large silver streamers raining onto the performers and VIP's including H.M. Princess Anne. As the event was broadcast live on the BBC liaison with the producer and director was paramount and correct timing was essential.

The Trinity May Ball, Cambridge
Challenge: To convince the organisers that music adds more depth to a firework display.
Display: The 5 minute display was set to music for the first time in the history of this May Ball. To reflect the mood of the music of William Tell, green cakes and shells were used, in tempo with the music chasing sequences of candles across the lawn were successfully introduced. The music of Carmina Burana was designed mainly in silver for a spectacular finale.

"a truly euphoric spectacle"   The Cambridge Student
"the breathtaking fireworks"   Varsity

May 2004
The Royal Windsor Horse Show
Challenge: To create a fitting finale for this Royal event within the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Display: The display was set to very contrasting pieces of music to reflect the variety in tempo. Candles and Cakes were used for the light tempo of the 'Light Cavalry', Shells were used in the finale of 'Land of Hope and Glory'. The size and the timing of the display were very much determined by Air Traffic Control as Windsor is so close to the Heathrow flight path. In addition to the aerial display, lancework with the sponsor's name was fired in the main arena.

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January 2004
The Queen Mary II Naming Ceremony
Challenge: To create a stunning display set to live music for an audience with a very limited view during some of the worst weather conditions.
Display: Careful planning and a very hard working crew ensured that all materials and equipment were in place before the storm started. Most of the winds died down just in time for the display - the audience was inside and was therefore protected from the elements but this also meant that their view was limited. Large calibre Brocade and Willow Shells were used to ensure that the fireworks would drop into sight as well as Video Screens relaying the display. The audience was also treated to some beautiful red and gold Fetti. Although there were only two rehearsals with the band due to Pyrovision's experience with setting fireworks to live music the show was fired accurately in time to the music.

Photos from the show
BBC Online story

The Alliance & Leicester Bank Customer Service & Sales Conference
Challenge: To underline the Corporate Statement and add spectacular effects to the show.
Display: Miniblasters releasing Flutterfetti in Corporate Colours were used to great effect at the end of the show which also incorporated Flame Effects, Silver Jets, Airbursts and Bullet Hits.

The Hawthorns' Firework Spectacular
Challenge: To create a breathtaking display enjoyed by the whole family.
Display: The 8 minute display was set to music chosen by the Parent and Teacher Association to appeal to the whole audience. As well as providing a spectacular aerial display, Petrol Bombs, Catherine Wheels and Flares were used to enhance the mood of the music.

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