The Epic Fireworks Blog

Archive for the ‘Diwali’ Category

A request from Hamilton’s Hindu and Sikh communities to allow fireworks during annual Diwali celebrations received support at a city committee yesterday.

The economic development and planning committee has asked staff to review Hamilton’s current fireworks bylaw to see if it should be amended to allow fireworks during Diwali.

“Diwali is one of the oldest festivals in the world,” said Budh Singh Dhillon, in a presentation to the committee.

“Fireworks are embedded in Diwali. There is no Diwali without fireworks and lights.”

Baljit Grewal, a Stoney Creek grocery store owner, applied to the city to be allowed to sell fireworks for Diwali.

“We were shocked to find out that fireworks are only allowed on Canada Day and Victoria Day,” Dhillon said.

“I’m asking the committee to amend the bylaw to return the glory back to Diwali.”

Dhillon dismissed concerns from fire officials that Diwali fireworks would increase the risk of fires in Hamilton.

“I have not seen any reports that we have more fires in Hamilton celebrating Victoria Day and Canada Day.”

He also noted Brampton, which has a large South Asian community, allows fireworks during Diwali celebrations.

Ward 2 Councillor Bob Bratina said the city should review the bylaw, in part because fire codes have changed since the 1950s, when the fireworks restrictions were enacted.

“We should also acknowledge that the city of Hamilton was a different place in terms of diversity 30 and 40 years ago than it is today.”

Councillor Brian McHattie said he has seen Diwali celebrated in India “and it’s a joyous occasion deeply built into the history and religion.”

Brent‘s Diwali celebrations, organised by the local authority, are the highlight of the borough’s festival calendar and take place in October. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, marks the start of the traditional Indian New Year and is one of the most important celebrations for the Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities. It also attracts people from all faiths and backgrounds. Brent’s 2008 Diwali celebrations attracted 35,000 people and was named the biggest Diwali celebration in London. For 2009, the council wanted the event to be the biggest and best to date.

Objectives

- To raise awareness of the event

- To increase participation by 15,000

- For Brent Diwali 2009 to be named the biggest Diwali celebration in the UK

- To promote Brent as a borough that celebrates diversity.

Strategy and plan

Many Diwali celebrations take place in the UK, meaning it was essential to create a point of difference. PR activity focused on the location of the start of the celebrations – the new Shree Sanatan Mandir Temple in Wembley, which had not been opened to the public.

The PR team also emphasised that Brent is one of the few local authorities to have a parade, with floats, costumed dancers, musicians, fireworks and laser show.

Local press and ethnic press were targeted and increased effort was put into engaging with national press and listings publications. To appeal to a wider audience, the event was billed as an opportunity to learn about and celebrate Hindu culture, and the visual aspect of the event was strongly emphasised.

Brent Council used its own communications outlets, with stories appearing on the intranet, the council website and social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook, as well as in the council’s magazine and staff magazine.

About 10,000 brochures were designed and 70 advertising boards were placed in key locations around the borough.

A banner was produced and displayed at the new temple two weeks before the event. TV channel Zee TV was recruited as a media sponsor, giving coverage before and after the event.

Measurement and evaluation

The festival was named critic’s choice in Time Out magazine and was covered by the BBC Asian Network. It also appeared in ethnic, industry and local media, and on listings websites.

Results

More than 60,000 people attended Brent Diwali, a 42 per cent increase on 2008.

The event won the Festivals Award and the Cultural and Arts Award in the International Visual Communications Livecom Awards 2009.

The awards celebrate creativity and excellence in live events and experiential marketing.

Principal sponsor Lebara Mobile has subsequently pledged its support for the council’s next festival. Brent Council now holds the crown for the biggest Diwali celebration in the UK.

The Hindu festival of lights explodes into life with a riot of colour and noise. A variety show and a fireworks display kick starts Diwali celebrations everywhere. The festivals like Diwali remind us of the brilliant display of colourful fireworks which explode in the dark nights.

This festival of fun, frolic and fireworks begins on 17^th October this year, and with it brings excitement and joy to the hearts of people even before it arrives on the new moon day (Amavasya) of the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar. Diwali is also the festival of Laxmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, so all the more reason to dig deep and put on a firework display of your own to go off with a BANG!!!!!!!

DIWALI FIREWORKS DISPLAY 2009

As always there are several larger public events to go to and enjoy the start of Diwali and Leicester’s is among the best. This years Diwali Lights Switch On ceremony is on Sunday 4th October. The Diwali lights on Belgrave Road will be switched on after the entertainment, which includes a fantastic firework and laser show. The ceremony will be attended by The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Leicester.

DIWALI CELEBRATION FIREWORKS 2009

Diwali Day takes place on Saturday 17th October.

Around 10,000 people are expected to attend Leicester’s Diwali Day celebrations.

Vibrant colours, music, dancing and food will be on show along Belgrave Road which is decorated with more than 6,500 lights.
Then the celebrations will move to the Cossington Street Recreation Ground, where a huge fireworks display and party will take place.

Maganbhai Patel OBE, president of the Leicester Hindu Festival Council said: “When we first started Diwali celebrations in Leicester 22 years ago it was only a small event, This year I think we’ll get more than 10,000 people and we’re going to put on a huge firework show – it’s going to be the biggest and most impressive ever.”

I think you will all agree when I say that Diwali is incomplete without fireworks. Old and young alike we all have to admit we love the excitement and sparkle of fireworks. So with Diwali approaching fast and the festival of light starting with a canvas of colour in our skies…this year’s celebrations should be sheer DYNAMITE!!!!!!!!!

And with next years Diwali going head to head with bonfire night (both on Nov 5^th 2010) who will be crowned victorious in the battle in the skies? Or will both celebrations triumph and combine festivities to uncover 2010 as the brightest year yet.

Diwali Fireworks

The EPIC division of Jimmy’s Wholesale Fireworks was created in response to a rapidly expanding customer base looking for premium fireworks at the lowest possible prices. EPIC Fireworks has grow and developed in line with the demands of this sector, whilst the name of Jimmy’s will be retained to serve national retailers. We started many years ago as a family business – and shall continue as such to ensure that our costs are kept to a minimum and personal service is retained.

Our ongoing mission is to introduce the concept of Total Quality into all aspects of our supply to you the customer. To do this, we will focus on three basic fundamentals of customer service – Q, C, D (Quality, Cost and Delivery).

* Quality – We stock fireworks from all the leading brand names and select only lines that we believe offer the right balance of performance and cost – of course safety is a pre-requisite that shall never be compromised. All enquiries and orders will be treated with appreciation and attention to detail. Customers should feel they have received a first class service and want to return again in the future.

* Cost – Unlike many other suppliers, we will negotiate the best prices for our fireworks and pass on this benefit to our customers. We shall always endeavour to offer the lowest possible prices along with free advice and assistance wherever possible. Most of our fireworks are priced at half the manufacturer’s rrp or below, pack prices also include VAT. We will also run special offers at amazingly low prices right throughout the year.

* Delivery – Subject to pack price and customer location, we can deliver your fireworks free of charge to suit your requirements – unlike other suppliers we will not dictate the time and day. If you collect your pack from our warehouse you will receive an incredible free gift. We supply 365 days of the year and always carry large stocks to meet whatever your needs.

EPIC FIREWORKS are here to ensure that whatever the celebration – Guy Fawkes, New Year, Wedding, Birthday, Divali or Corporate Event – you will never need to go anywhere else for unbeatable fireworks deals!

Fireworks by Velachery Balu

Fireworks on Diwali

Winner of 3rd Place in BSB Weekly Photo Contest (Theme – Complexity)