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Thirteen may be considered an unlucky number, but not for the German city of Cologne, as this year it stages its 13^th show on the 13^th of July.

This all day event starting around 2pm and mostly free (with some paying options for the best viewing points) culminates in a high impact pyro-musical show which has wowed the world and regularly attracts well over 100,000 spectators.

The inspiration and title of this year’s spectacular is “Dream Catcher” and we expect the music and atmosphere to reflect an ethereal, almost dream-like performance from the nine pontoon bridges of fireworks stretching across the Rhine.

The dancing fountain is another favourite at the event but be warned; stewards will be closing the gates at 21:00 with the nearest viewing area from the main stage area being over the Deutz Bridge a few minutes’ walk away.

We advise making your way to the viewing areas and plan to be settled in by the latest 8pm as demand is high for the better viewing spots, as always it may be worth taking with you spare camera batteries, an umbrella (just in case) and a ground sheet or rug to sit on.

Expect to see the brightly coloured boats which leave from the old town port in a procession down the Rhine before the fireworks kick off at around 11:30, traditionally the watching spectators illuminate both banks of the river with lanterns and sparklers.

The best places to watch are between the Hohnezollera and zoo bridges but we have included a map for your convenience.

Having visited Cologne back in the 80’s, and I’m sure not that much has changed, bier (or beer as we call it) will flow freely and bratwurst, bockwurst, schnitzel and frickadellen will also be in plentiful supply. Further information can be found here.

As a lover of both classical music and fireworks, there is little that makes me happier than when it is possible to combine the two.

This year, Classic FM will be hosting an event on Thursday 25^th April which will feature some amazing performances, brilliant music, a world premier of new works from resident composer Howard Goodall.  All this will be capped off with a spectacular fireworks display.

This spectacle will further feature compositions by the well-known Mozart, Verdi and Tchaikovsky but will also include works by Bernstein, Karadaglic and Bruch.

The finale is of course the wonderful 1812 overture by Tchaikovsky which will also feature fireworks.

Tickets for the event can be purchased either directly from Classic FM’s website or http://www.viagogo.co.uk/Arts-and-Theatre-Tickets/Classical/Classic-FM-live-Tickets

If I ever hear the 1812 overture as a backdrop to fireworks, I’ll strangle someone. Not really, of course, but come on folks, we can do so much better. And stuff like “The Battle” from Gladiator is great, but to use it ever year (Garstang, I’m looking at you) gets a touch samey! So here are four bang up to date You Tube that would provide a dramatic and different soundtrack to your pyro:

1. Set Fire to the Rain, Full Orchestra. The name is surely enough, but check it out:

2. Canon Rock for Twin Violins. Just because its ace, its classical, and it rocks. Start the first minute with fountains maybe:

3. Pirates of the Caribbean- “He’s a Pirate”. Many versions, all conjure up images of gunpowder, mayhem, swagger and adventure.

4. And finally, slightly different , a Japanese Techno Jazz version of Beethoven – lively , like-able, and catchy from the first time you hear it.

And there we go. Just don’t , under any circumstances, use Katy Perry’s “Firework.” If you do that, you might as well get “clueless” tattooed on your forehead. If you insist on using Katy, use “I kissed a girl.” Much better!

Oh, and if you must, people may well like this – but do it before it goes out of fashion- which must be soon, surely

More ideas here folks: http://epicfireworks.com/blog/2009/08/music-with-fireworks-top-recomended-songs/

Article by Moonlight Shadow