The historic German city of Hannover will see the night sky illuminated next May as it hosts the International Fireworks Competition.

This prestigious global competition pits pyrotechnicians from far and wide against one another in a spectacle of colour and noise.

History and modernity combine as the displays take place in the beautiful setting of the baroque masterpiece that is the Grosser Garten.

The music which forms the backdrop to the aerial displays is just as important as the visuals, making this event one for the whole family.

Visitors to Hannover hotels will enjoy 25 minutes of spectacular action as the German team shows off what they can do ahead of similar displays in Portugal and Canada.

The competition is in its 18th year and 2009's edition promises to be the biggest and best yet.

Fireworks are thought to originate in China and have been used in festivals and on special occasions the world over for hundreds of years, not least to ring in the new year or in religious celebrations.

30/10/2008