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2008 Olympics Fireworks
Published July 24, 2008 | 
Amongst the novelties for the Olymics opening-ceremony fireworks will be smiley-face shape shells, the Chinese authorities said today in an announcement about their plans. They are part of a theme – to be reflected on staff and volunteer clothing – to soften China’s authoritarian image.
Cai Guoqiang, the artistic director for the fireworks, announced that fireworks would be launched from a staggering 1,800 sites around the city of Beijing, including major urban areas near Tiananmen Square and the Bird’s Nest stadium near the Olympic Village.
‘We want the Olympic spirit to be seen and felt throughout the entire city on the evening of the opening ceremonies,’ said Cai, a famous Chinese artist.
Posted in Firework Videos, United Kingdom | 
2008, city, fireworks, News, Olympic, opening | 
Leave a commentWorld record rockets attempt cancelled
Published July 21, 2008 | An attempt to break the world record for the number of records in a single flight has been cancelled after teh local Environmental Health Department raised the possibility of prosecution.
Terry McDonald set his first world record in 1997 with the launch of 39,210 rockets to raise funds for the BBC’s Children in Need appeal during Jersey’s Battle of the Flowers Festival.
The record stood until 2006 when Roy Lowry launched 56,405 rockets in 30 seconds at the 2006 British Fireworks Championships in Plymouth.
After extensive preparations and costs of over £50,000 the attempt was abandoned only two days before the event when Jersey’s environment department warned Mr McDonald that he could be prosecuted if the display caused any environmental damage. Full story
Posted in Firework Videos, United Kingdom | attempt, cancelled, Jersey, News, record, world record | Leave a commentMacau Fireworks Festival
Published July 14, 2008 | The contest, organized by MGTO, will be held on Sept. 13, 24,20,27 and October 1 at the sea area in front of the Macao Tower.
The competing teams will come from Germany, South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Chinese Taiwan, the Philippines, France, Australia and China.
‘Each participating team is requested to complement their display with music to enthrall the audience with a light and sound spectacular’ MGTO Director Joao Manuel Costa Antunes said at a conference.
To celebrate the 20th competition, MGTO has invited teams with distinguished performances in international contests. A number of teams joining the contest this year have won championships before in Macao, including a two-time champion from Japan and winning teams from Portugal and France.
To enhance the quality and attractiveness of the contest, MGTO also said that it has increased the production subsidy and cash prizes to the fireworks teams.
The production subsidy has been raised from 17,500 to 20,000 U.S. dollars, while Cash prize to the winner has increased from 6,000 to 8,000 dollars.
The picture is the bronze trophy awarded to UK company Jubilee Fireworks.
China Earthquake Appeal
Published May 23, 2008 | The devastating eathquake which hit the country does not seem to have significantly affected the Hunan province, which is the heart of fireworks making. Nevertheless, our sympathies should go to China as a nation for the losses suffered.
With tragedies such as this, it is common for the media to lose interest after a while. The problems of rebuilding whole towns and replacing the whole social infrastructure remain though, and will take years to remedy.
If you have not already done so, donate to the Red Cross Earthquake appeal now.
Fireworks more popular than the Queen at Christmas
Published December 11, 2007 | The survey was carried out by UKTV and Brian Turner, the television chef and spokesman for the TV company, said: ‘While we may be in danger of losing some of our culinary traditions, such as putting a penny in a pudding, there are lots of new rituals such as the champagne breakfast and eating stollen and panettone that we can really embrace.’
Gone are the days when stockings were packed with walnuts and tangerines, with 69 per cent confessing to not even knowing these traditions existed.
Not all festive traditions are dying out though. Decorating the Christmas tree, handing out presents and tucking into seasonal goodies for Christmas lunch, are likely to be with us for a long time yet.
Posted in Firework Videos, United Kingdom | fireworks, new, News, popular, survey, traditions | Leave a comment
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