Fireworks 2013

[BigDave]

So its nearly that time of year again. Really looking forward to fireworks this year, but Im also hoping that with The Smiler being added this year, the park will steer away from a generic firework show and add something special. Of course this is unlikely.

Also what days do you plan on going to see the fireworks? Im hoping to have most of the event off work and should be able to make most of the event.

 

[Jonathan]

I'm aiming to be there for part of Friday, most of Saturday and all of Sunday (what with the Sunday being my birthday). Hopefully, something will have changed this year, but I'm not going to expect much - if anything at all.

 

[Dave]

See I like the music based displays, when they got the story ones right they where good but often they where cringeworthy. Also I want lots of fireworks in a firework show as that's what it is, if they can add some water screens ect without removing fireworks then I'm for that, but its not going to happen.

HOWEVER they need to get a better playlist than last years as it was dire, completely alienating anyone who doesn't like dance music. Also get some greater variety in the fireworks themselves.

 

[Rob]

I'm sure whatever they do it will be a spectacular display, it has been for the last 3 years. However in terms of music choice I hope it's a bit more like 2010 than 2012. The music was pretty awful last year. I also think they'd be mad not to have a section using parts of The Smiler music, I'm not entirely sure how you'd fit fireworks to it but with it being such a major new ride I'd like to see something.

 

[BigDave]

Yeah the shows were fairly gringe worthy, but that is exactly what made them so great. It was almost as if the park knew they had a fairly low budget and they made it as bad as they could to get a good laugh. Some of the Doc Pop Rocket stuff was awesome and I know loads of people who said it was one of the best shows they ever did. Now don't get me wrong, the electric towers one was dire. Half the effects didn't work and the story was just a load of rubbish cobbled together.

I really do hope that they go down the ministry of joy line. A mass marmalisation session?

 

[Alastair]

I don't get the impression that the budget is that high for the fireworks shows themselves. Given that they have to put on the same show on three consecutive nights, the actual fireworks that can be used have to be readily available (ie. it's unlikely that they will be able to acquire specialist shells that would normally be found in one off shows). It's therefore always the case that Jubilee (the display company) have to do their best with the stock of fireworks they have available and the not quite adequate budget - leading to a show that is more drawn out, less varied in effects and less intense than what would be considered a truly amazing display.

If you want to see what could be done given the budget, then check this out from about 16 minutes.

 

[JAMMY_Jaunts]

As an enthusiast of fireworks and pyromusicals, and with knowledge of firework types, costs and such, I can agree with the above relating to the fact that we will never see many earth-shattering big aerial shells at the Towers due to budget. This is demonstrated by the vast amount of mines and low level, small diameter aerial shells used in the past displays. However I will say that Jubilee Fireworks is pretty much the most respected and most established fireworks/pyromusical company in the UK, maybe tied with MLE Pyrotechnics. Therefore, I assure you that Jubilee do make the most out of the budget that Towers set to create the most fleshed out, yet not boring display they can.

Also, I could easily see how to set up a smiler segment in regards to timing and effects and such, it's just a case of if Towers decide to make that segment. I'm not sure who organises the soundtrack but just general pop music is a bit repetitive and bland. Here's to hoping for a new genre or two this year

 

[Alastair]

Also, I could easily see how to set up a smiler segment in regards to timing and effects and such, it's just a case of if Towers decide to make that segment. I'm not sure who organises the soundtrack but just general pop music is a bit repetitive and bland. Here's to hoping for a new genre or two this year

Not common for large scale displays, but a couple of giant catherine wheels (for the eyes) combined with some lancework (for the mouth) would look amazing as a version of The Smiler logo. Also, some shells with the "bees" or "whirl" effects for that segment would fit well also.

 

[stretchy]

I'm all in favour of the cring-worthy stories sorry. I miss the cheese of it all.

No seriously. They have done good stories and bad ones. When they did a good story it worked well. The problem is, they had someone who doesn't really have a good narrative ability writing the majority of them, also, with all except 1 or 2, the fireworks haven't been integral to the story. They have just been 'mood setters' or, as with poprocket, just irrelevant background to an irrelevant story.

Regarding last years music. I agree, the selection was monogenre. Worse than that, though, the warmup wasn't a warmup. You need things that people across genre will sing along to and dance to. e.g. "I'm sexy and I know it". Basically those pop songs that you cringe when you hear your grandparents singing but are hyper catchy. Last year when an iconic song was played the audience all danced and they they followed it by an obscure chart song that had no catchiness.

What do I want

All I want is - A firework that shoots into the sky and makes a smiler face. Nothing else. Just that and I will be happy. I wanted it last year and they didn't provide.

 

[JAMMY_Jaunts]

Also, I could easily see how to set up a smiler segment in regards to timing and effects and such, it's just a case of if Towers decide to make that segment. I'm not sure who organises the soundtrack but just general pop music is a bit repetitive and bland. Here's to hoping for a new genre or two this year

Not common for large scale displays, but a couple of giant catherine wheels (for the eyes) combined with some lancework (for the mouth) would look amazing as a version of The Smiler logo. Also, some shells with the "bees" or "whirl" effects for that segment would fit well also.

Yes, those were the exact effects I was thinking of. Some nice aerial fish and tourbillon shells would do wonders as well. In regards to the smiley face effects, these can be produced and do look stunning (if they explode and break in the correct direction that is ), however the colour scheme is usually blue, green and red (sometimes yellow), and this cannot be changed as the shells are usually bought in from Taiwanese, Italian or Chinese factories.

I'm sure if they tried though they could easily work something in and as Alastair mentioned, a framework centrepiece set up on the lawns would easily create Mr Twirly.

An aerial mortar launcher setup like this would also be very effective but I think we're being too optimistic. (Starts roughly at 15:07)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teexemt-X5M&feature=player_detailpage#t=907

Maybe if we go in with little hope we will be surprised. Either way I trust Jubilee to make the most of the budget and provide a cracking (and to most of the GP, a spectacular) display.

Out of interest, are Towers doing after 4pm tickets for the Friday display this year?

 

[Alastair]

What do I want

All I want is - A firework that shoots into the sky and makes a smiler face. Nothing else. Just that and I will be happy. I wanted it last year and they didn't provide.

You mean a Smiler face as in the twirly eyes and mouth? That would require them to have ordered and designed a shell specially for the show - from China - which they almost certainly won't have done. Also, it would have to break perfectly for it to even be recognisable - something which unfortunately happens rarely.

 

[stretchy]

Ok I agree the shooting in the sky is a bit much (B.T.W it was tongue in cheek). More realistic, how about just a smiler face. Why cant they simply do something like this :-

or even loads of them whilst the smiler music ha's at us all.

(edit_ just re-read the talking before and I think that this kind of things is what JAMMYD778 and Alistair were talking about. )

 

[James]

The VIP Package is back for 2013.

Includes:
- Express Parking
- Theme Park Entry
- Outdoor seating area at the front of the lawns.
- Hog roast in the evening with unlimited food and drinks.
- Glass of champagne before the display.

£90 for adults and £60 for children! Although if you have an Annual Pass or you're a hotel guest it costs £55 for adults and £40 for children.

Seems a bit steep at £90. But £55 seems pretty good (for Alton at least) - maybe a package more suited for hotel guests.

 

[Tim]

An idea struck me tonight while watching Legoland's fireworks (which you should totally check out if you have the chance ). They have these really nifty 3D style glasses that makes the fireworks look like lego bricks! And it works really well, added a completely new element to the show.

Which made me think, why couldn't Alton do something similar but rather than Lego bricks use The Smilers Logo, or at least the swirls. They could be called correctional goggles or something to that effect. That would be a really simple way to incorporate The Smiler into the show and make some extra money on the side.

Edit: Found a picture showing what it looks like:

and a Disney version:

 

[BigDave]

They are cool (Europa had similar for there Christmas show (for the life of me I cannot remember what its called)).

The logistics of making sure everyone gets some glasses though is a nightmare and for a full length firework show, I'd rather just watch the fireworks.

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[Tim]

Why does everyone have to have them though? The idea was that it would be an optional extra for those that want a bit more Smiler to the show.

Plus the two examples I gave below were full length shows and most people I saw with glasses opted to use them for the whole thing.

 

[BigDave]

You could charge and give them to a select few, but people would more than likely complain. I like the idea, but think its far too gimicky (AT will love it then).

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[Tim]

Why only a select few? we're only talking about glasses like the Ice Age 3D ones. Trust me having just watched Legoland do it last night I know for certain this would work if Alton decided to do it.

I wouldn't even class it as that gimmicky as it really did add something fresh to the show.

 

[James]

It's a nice idea although with the footflow at Alton Towers it would probably be a nightmare. People missing out on glasses will just result in a load of complaints.

 

[Tim]

For the record of those that haven't seen Legoland's display it is just as big if not bigger than Alton's. Guests watch from multiple locations around the park unlike at Alton where the show is almost exclusively contained to the Towers Street lawn.

Personally having seen Alton's display last year and Lego's last night I preferred Lego's (with the exception of ITHOTMK).

Plus Disney have used this effect before so footflow definitely isn't a problem.