USA Crowned world fireworks champions 2016
A team of master blasters from the USA have scooped first prize at the World Blackpool’s Fireworks Championships Blackpool.
Rozzi’s Fireworks saw off competition from teams from Australia and Slovakia with a spectacular display during week three of this year’s championships.
Michael Lux from Rozzi Fireworks, show designer and fifth generation Rozzi, joined the company in 2012 and was joined by his wife Tayte for their display on Friday 23 September.
The team’s success was announced on Friday night as great British pyrotechnic team, Titanium, put on a spectacular show to close the Championships.
The free annual events are among the most popular features in Blackpool’s exciting calendar, featuring jaw-dropping displays – synched to music – from some of the most talented and technically gifted fireworks engineers in the world and attracting tens of thousands of visitors to the Promenade each week.
This year, they also provided the perfect opportunity for thousands of people to see Blackpool’s three exciting new 3D digital projection shows available to watch for free from the Comedy Carpet several times every night, with extra performances at weekends and over the October half term.
Down the Rabbit Hole by The Macula tells the story of an astronaut exploring new worlds. Continuing with the theme of space exploration, UK-based The Projection Studio have partnered with the European Space Agency to create Chasing Stars, aimed at families and presented by Commander Tim Peake, showcasing work from local school children. The third show, Enchanted Blackpool, has been created by film-maker Cecile Llewelyn-Bowen, using designs by her father, international designer and friend of Blackpool Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. For more information and show timings go to www.visitblackpool.com/lightpool.
Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “The championships are a firm favourite in the Blackpool calendar and they have been truly fantastic this year with an exceptionally high standard of display.
“The events are always incredibly popular and attract tens of thousands of people to the Promenade each night.
“Our congratulations go to all the teams who took part but particularly to the winners, Rozzi’s Fireworks from the USA who did their nation proud with a superb show.”
And Cheryl Tchobanian from The Beach House Bar and Bistro, Blackpool, which hosted the judges, added: “It has been an honour yet again to host the judges at Beach House Bar and Bistro where our balcony has been a viewing platform with fantastic displays from all teams.
“USA’s Rozzi’s Fireworks are without a doubt the worthy winners. With an excellent choice of music the display was excellently executed with a superb finale that filled the skies above the Blackpool promenade.
The winner was chosen by a panel of local judges including Cllr Gillian Campbell, Peter Sedgewick, owner of Blackpool’s piers and Mrs Cheryl Tchobanian owner of the Beach House Bar and Bistro.
The contest this year is hosted in association with media partner Rock FM who provided entertainment at all four events for the tens of thousands in attendance.
To check out the images and footage from this year’s championships please go to www.visitblackpool.com/fireworks
Our autumn events programme is now available, featuring the Blackpool Illuminations, LightPool and a brand new LightPool Festival during October half term from Oct 28 – Nov 2 for more information go to www.visitblackpool.com/lightpool.