Introduction
The Floriana Local Council, Malta is organizing the First National Festival of Mechanical Fireworks (locally known as "Nar ta' l-Art") which will be held at the Granaries on Saturday, 21 April, on the eve of the feast of St Publius, Floriana's Patron Saint.
Ground fireworks are a unique Maltese pyrotechnic tradition, and since the festival will be held on the eve of Floriana's parish feast, those who attend the festival will also get a taste of the local festivities. It will be held in the largest square in Malta.
A total of 14 different firework factories will field two ground firework pieces each, to compete for numerous prizes that will be awarded by an international jury.
Although entry is free, the public may wish to book chairs from
www.maltagroundfireworks.com.
[NOTE - theses pictures are taken from www.unionbandmalta.org of Luqa - display of 2005]
The Programme
The programme of fireworks display will start at 22.30pm after a performance by the Vilhena Philarmonic Society. The festival will kick off with three firework setups which will be judged on originality.
The festival will then proceed to the actual competition where each fireworks factory will present two spectacular displays which will be judged on the following merits: Best Mechanism, Use of Mechanism Chains, Best Products and Originality.
The Jury will be composed of international pyrotechnicians from Sweden, England and Spain. They will be assisted by local expert Mr. Joe Theuma, Secretary of the Malta Pyrotechnic Association.
The public's opinion will also be considered as there will be a Public Opinion Prize which will be assigned to the factory which gets most votes via SMS voting. For further information about SMS voting please read below.
[NOTE - theses pictures are taken from www.unionbandmalta.org of Luqa - display of 2005]
A compere will provide spectators with general information in English before each firework display.
In the eventuality of bad weather, the festival will be moved to the 22nd or 23rd of April, depending on weather forecasts.
The general public is invited to come to Floriana early as the Parish Church will be open for visitors. One can also observe the huge fireworks and their intricate mechanisms before the display begins.
(article taken from
www.maltagroundfireworks.com)
