The popular World Fireworks Championships in Blackpool has come to an end after weeks of impressive and free-to-watch displays.
The Blackpool event, which started in September, saw three countries from around the world compete to be have the best firework display.
Germany’s dramatic display of fireworks set to classical music has secured them first place in this year’s event.
The display, which started with the haunting sound of a gong being struck three times, beat off competition from Russia and Ireland.
The result was announced at tonight’s celebratory display by pyrotechnics experts, Titanium Fireworks.
Judges said it was almost impossible to separate the three entrants because of the sheer quality of the displays, but said they were particularly impressed by Germany’s synchronisation of music that comprised a celebration of Beethoven. They also praised the spectacular finale.
A spokesperson for the winning German team said the show was originally designed for the championship in 2020 to mark the 250th anniversary of Beethoven. It was dedicated to the composer’s music and was titled “Beethoven’s birthday bash”.
Thank you to everyone who has come to Blackpool to see the World Fireworks Championship Blackpool.
— VisitBlackpool (@visitBlackpool) October 23, 2021
It’s been a real blast to bring this event back after having to cancel last year ❤️ #BPLFireworks pic.twitter.com/iXTuNJ9TlN
He added: “My decision to limit the soundtrack to the compositions of only one composer made it much more difficult than working on a soundtrack for a "normal" show. The soundtrack begins with three gongs, without fireworks, which is a kind of a signature for my shows.
“One of my favourite scenes in this show is the rising part in the epic version of Moonlight Sonata which still gives me goose bumps every time I hear it!”
This year’s World Fireworks Championships Blackpool has been staged over four alternate Saturdays during September and October from a new launch pad on the beach opposite The Blackpool Tower.
A VisitBlackpool spokesperson said: “This year’s entries have been absolutely spectacular and have truly captured the public imagination.
“After having to cancel last year’s event through COVID restrictions, it has quite literally come back with a bang, attracting record crowds on to the seafront.”
Many people flocked to Blackpool to see the display and shared their experience and photos on Twitter.
Visit Blackpool shared a video featuring crowds of people, reminding them to take their rubbish home with them.
So many of you have turned up to see the finale of the World Fireworks Championship Blackpool! ❤️
— VisitBlackpool (@visitBlackpool) October 23, 2021
If you have food or drink with you, please do the decent thing and drop your litter in the bin or, if the bins are full, take your rubbish home with you #BPLFireworks pic.twitter.com/148MJUr7y1
One photographer, Lisa poolphotography, shared a gorgeous image and wrote: “The finale from Blackpool World Championship Fireworks - well done Germany.”
The finale from blackpool world championship fireworks well done Germany @StormHour @ThePhotoHour @TitaniumFwks @BpoolCouncil @3LeggedThing @visitBlackpool @VisitLancashire @BBCNWT @TheBplTower #blackpooltower #blackpool #lancashire #fireworks @BBCLancashire @BBCNWT pic.twitter.com/CfBEj8IoPV
— Lisa poolphotography (@artpool40) October 24, 2021
Elaine posted a video to her Twitter account after visiting at the weekend.
World Firework championship in Blackpool.. 😁 pic.twitter.com/WQDDVvRXWv
— Elaine ✨ (@ElaineR47) October 23, 2021
Earlier this week, it was announced that there will be an additional fireworks event in Blackpool with Titanium producing a family fireworks event at the same seafront location at around 5pm on New Year’s Eve.
The free event is part of a comprehensive programme of Christmas entertainment in Blackpool which includes a Christmas By The Sea village featuring free skating rink, snowfalls, log cabins, themed projection shows and a traditional festive market in and around the Winter Gardens.
For full details, go to www.visitblackpool.com/christmas .
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