“Wynn Macau – 19th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest” unveils its curtain

“Wynn Macau – 19th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest” kicks off today (September 15) as the fireworks teams from the United Kingdom and Korea light up the sky of Macau with splendid fireworks. Director of Macau Government Tourist Office João Manuel Costa Antunes and President of Wynn Macau Ian Coughlan officiated the opening ceremony at the Macau Tower Outdoor Plaza. Held on September 15, 22, 25, 29 and October 1 at the sea area across the Macau Tower, Wynn Macau – 19th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest has attracted ten teams from around the world to vie for the contest. The contest this year features ten teams from the United Kingdom, Korea, Australia, Chinese Taiwan, Portugal, the Philippines, United States of America, Japan, France and China; each will show off their pyrotechnic wizardry to spectators both from Macau and overseas. This year again, each participating team is requested to complement their display with music to enthrall the audience with a light and sound spectacular. MGTO will strive to improve year on year the quality of the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest to make it an event not to be missed for residents and visitors. To enhance the effect and audience enjoyment, sound systems are installed at the waterfront of the Macau Tower Outdoor Plaza, at the Macau Tower Street seaside and at the square in front of Kun Iam Statue on Ave. Dr Sun Yat Sen so that the public can enjoy synchronized music to the spectacular displays. For the first time, spectators are able to listen to live music of the fireworks displays through Radio Macau’s live broadcast at FM100.7. The teams taking part in this year’s contest are: Kimbolton Fireworks Limited from the United Kingdom, Hanwha Corporation from Korea, Five Star Fireworks from Australia, San Tai Fireworks Ind. Co., Ltd. from Chinese Taiwan, Grupo Luso Pirotecnia from Portugal, Starmaker Inc. from the Philippines, Illumination Internationale Ltd. from the United States of America, Marutamaya Ogatsu Fireworks Co., Ltd. from Japan, Artifices JCO SA from France and Hunan Xintiancheng Fireworks Manufacturing Co., Ltd from China. Each fireworks display will last for approximately 18 minutes, and there will be two displays per evening at 9pm and 10pm. MGTO also launched today the issue of a book titled “Fireworks Art in Macau” and an exhibition of over 20 artworks that illustrate fireworks and historic sites in Macau printed on the book. Published by MGTO and two fireworks enthusiasts Mr. Lei Ip Fei and Ms. Anita Fung Pou Chu, the book “Fireworks Art in Macau” introduces, in five sections, the 18-year history of the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest, the history and development of fireworks and firecrackers, the art and culture of fireworks, the artistic appreciation of fireworks and a series of artworks (oil on canvas) illustrating fireworks and historic sites in Macau, with the aim to educate the public about the relationship between Macau and the art of fireworks. 1,000 copies have been published and will be available for sale at the lobby of Macau Tower on each of the fireworks displays nights. To further enhance the event, MGTO and the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau join hands again to present the Fireworks Carnival 2007 on the shorefront beside the Macau Tower The opening ceremony of the Fireworks Carnival 2007 was held today (September 15) at 6pm. Citizens can enjoy an array of live entertainment, cultural activities and culinary delights at the carnival between 5:00 - 11:00 p.m. on each of the fireworks display nights. Over 20 stalls offering snacks and souvenirs will also add sparkle to the party. This press release is available on the website: http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/en/emagazine/press.php