Brezac Artificef from France netted the top prize, while Japan’s Tamaya Art Pyro Technics and Chinese Taiwan’s Wan Dar Fireworks Mfg took second and third places in the Wynn Macau - 20th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest at a ceremony held at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center on October 1. Macau Government Tourist Office Director João Manuel Costa Antunes presented the trophy and prize to the winner, who also received a trophy from title sponsor Wynn Macau, awarded by Wynn Macau President and General Manager, Mr Ian Coughlan. The production subsidy and cash prizes to the fireworks teams were increased this year to enhance the quality and attractiveness of the contest. Cash prize to the winner was increased to US$8,000, while prizes to the first and second runners-up were increased to US$4,000 and US$2,500 respectively. The contest this year featured ten teams from Germany, Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Chinese Taiwan, the Philippines, France, Australia and China. To celebrate this 20th edition, MGTO has purposely invited teams with distinguished performances in international contests. A number of teams competing in the contest this year have won before in Macau, including a two-time champion from Japan and winning teams from Portugal and France. Mr. Antunes noted in his speech that this year MGTO has specially arranged the 10 fireworks teams to meet with the media before their performances to introduce the characteristics, theme and message of each show so that the audience can enjoy the fireworks with greater interest. Macau Government Tourist Office will continue to organize a wide spectrum of promotional activities to enrich the tourism resources of Macau as well as to boost its charm as a tourist destination. The organizer arranged China's Liuyang Jiding Fireworks Manufacture Export Co., Ltd to present the last fireworks show to celebrate China’s National Day. Crowds of residents and visitors enjoyed the fireworks during the National Day holiday at various spots of Macau and Taipa, adding a festive and joyful atmosphere to the city. This year again, each participating team was requested to complement their display with music. Each team used different musical arrangements, ranging from classical or contemporary to originally composed music, coupled with special themes (e.g. care for Sichuan’s earthquake victims) and features to enthrall the audience. Organized by Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest has a history of 20 years and receives wide accolades and recognition. This year Wynn Macau continues to be the title sponsor for the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest. The annual glamorous fireworks displays, together with the colorful complementary activities have become a signature event that brings a splendid experience to both the public and visitors in Macau. To add a festive atmosphere to the fireworks display contest, MGTO and the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau jointly presented the Fireworks Carnival 2008 on the shorefront beside the Macau Tower on each of the fireworks display nights, offering an array of live entertainment, cultural activities and culinary delights. This press release is available on MGTO’s website: http://industry.macautourism.gov.mo/en/pressroom/index.php?page_id=172
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