Posts Tagged ‘fireworks display’

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.

WHAT: Cholmondeley Fireworks Concert 2013
WHERE: Cholmondeley Castle Gardens
WHEN: Saturday 15th June 2013
OPENING TIMES: Gates open at 4.00pm and the fireworks start at approximately 10.45pm

It’s back – the amazing Cholmondeley fireworks concert will return with another magnificent firework display tomorrow, Saturday 15th June 2013.

Last years 2012 fireworks concert was themed around the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and celebrating 50 years of James Bond. This years theme will be ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’.

The gates open at 4.00pm giving you ample of time to find a perfect spot to view the fireworks but please read the following details carefully, which have been taken from the official Cholmondeley Fireworks website:

There is no seating, so bring a rug, cushion or folding chair. Be prepared for rain, as there is no shelter and the concert will take place rain or shine. No private caterers are permitted. No areas may be roped or fenced off. Gazebos and other tented structures are strictly prohibited. Ample mobile toilet facilities will be provided.  The use of recording equipment is prohibited.  Access to within 200 yards of the concert site is possible for vehicles displaying a registered disabled badge. There will be suitable toilet facilities available. Please note that the site is a rough mown field, which may create some difficulties for wheelchair users.

Cholmondeley Castle Gardens cannot accept liability for injury unless caused by them or their agent’s negligence, nor any liability for loss or damage to property brought to the event. The concert site and pathways are rough mown grass and you are advised to wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Much of the concert takes place in the dark, and while the arena and car parks are lit, we suggest you bring a torch to help you find your way. No barbecues or open fires are permitted and no animals (with the exception of guide dogs) are allowed on the site. Remote Medical Services and Cheshire Constabulary, will provide emergency cover.

This years firework display will once again be timed to music and starts at approximately 10.45pm.

We hope the weather will be kind and wish a wonderful day to those attending.

The 16/17th May 2013 was the 70th anniversary of Operation Chastise.

Operation Chastise was a World War II top secret mission carried out on the night of 16/17th May 1943 by the 617 Squadron who were also know as ‘The Dambusters’.

They were known as the Dambusters as their mission during World War II was to use specially-developed ‘bouncing-bombs’ to attack the dams which provided power and water to the Ruhr valley in Germany, which was the main industrial area of Germany.

On Saturday 18th May 2013 Knights of Fire Fireworks put on a fireworks display at the 617 Squadrons Association’s dinner to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Operation Chastise. Included in the audience were two veterans who took part in the Dambusters mission in 1943. The display was an overwhelming success and was described as a ‘fantastic and fitting tribute to the Dambusters’.

The fireworks display was held at Petwood Hotel in Lincolnshire which was used as the 617 Squadron’s Officers’ mess from 1943 to 1945.

Please see below for a video of the fireworks display.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post, if you like to make a donation to the RAF Benevolent Fund please click here.

Related articles:

• Lancaster bomber flypast to mark Dambusters anniversary
• 70 years on, hundreds see anniversary flypast for Dambusters
• In pictures: Dambusters WWII raid