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Fireworks 2024

Steve74 said:
Yeah its not too close. Each time I've been, the prevailing wind has been blowing across the gardens so most debris would probably end up that way. I know nothing of professional fireworks but I suspect the rockets won't have plastic tips or wooden tails like consumer ones do! 🤣 And all of them will have minimum packaging that probably burns up when they explode anyway.
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I have to admit I had visions of engineers running around with torches removing foot long sticks out of the Smiler track 😂
 
A 'behind the scenes' blog was posted on the Towers website yesterday. There is nothing of huge note, but there are a few fun facts in there, and it sounds like this year's show may be more heavily story-based.

Come behind the scenes of Fireworks at Alton Towers Resort​



Fireworks



Ahead of this year’s Ultimate Fireworks Spectacular, we caught up with our Events & Entertainments Director, Chris Carter, to give a peak behind the curtain on what goes into creating the UK’s most immersive fireworks show at Alton Towers Resort.
Taking more than 12 months to devise, design and create – and based on the story of Nemesis Reborn - this year’s display will celebrate the iconic ride’s triumphant return for 2024.
Chris said: “It will be the culmination of a year of hard work and planning. We start by forming some initial ideas and inspiration, before exploring how we can create a show that keeps fireworks at its heart, while immersing the audience within a multisensory storytelling experience that is unique to Alton Towers Resort.”
But how does that process happen? Chris continued: “We start with a minimum of three storylines, beginning by creating a very topline concept. We then take forward two ideas into a more detailed design phase. Music choice is hugely important from both a storytelling and emotional perspective, too, with it having to deliver a soundtrack that supports the choreography and drama of the pyrotechnics.
“Once we’ve decided on the final direction, we develop the narrative and explore how best to use the various media, effects and technology to tell the story.”

Fireworks Fun Facts​

  • More than 30,000 individual fireworks will be used in this year’s show
  • 10km of wiring and over 10 tonnes of equipment are required to help launch the fireworks
  • This year’s show features curated, handmade firework shells from artisan manufacturers based in Spain, Italy and the USA
  • 388 lighting fixtures and more than 45 lasers and other special effects will be used, requiring a massive 15,000m of cabling

Fireworks Wicker Man



And when it comes to putting this huge array of fireworks, lasers and pyrotechnics into practice, there are a whole host of teams helping to make each night special.
Chris said: “We have a team of more than 150 - from show directors, lighting designers, the fireworks team, sound engineers, laser specialists, video, staging and production teams and a huge, dedicated crew to help transport, build and operate the various equipment.
“On the night itself, each effect has a dedicated operator, safety team and crew to ensure it all runs smoothly. We also have arena management, fire safety, health and safety and medical teams to support.”
For this year’s event, as day turns into night, guests will be invited to the Phalanx Expo - a special showcase headed up by shadowy organization, The Phalanx, who were originally charged with keeping the Nemesis beast under control.
On this year’s storyline, Chris concluded: “We wanted to celebrate this year’s iconic launch of Nemesis Reborn but were also eager to push the boundaries when it comes to storytelling. This show marks a real change to the approach and style of show, a change which has allowed us more creative freedom.
“Alton Towers Resort is all about storytelling and this show is no different, with this year’s display having a direct link and a part to play within the Nemesis universe.”
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Behind the scenes of Fireworks at Alton Towers Resort | Alton Towers Resort

www.altontowers.com www.altontowers.com
 
lee2804 said:
Hopefully last yr of them. Given the location they are devastating to local wildlife. They must kill hundreds of animals from the noise of them.

Yes you can moan at me and stuff but dont really care. They are a menace to wildlife and pets.
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Well the last 10 years of fireworks doesn't seem to have caused any harm to wildlife given that the ducks, geese, fish and other animals thrive at Towers every year. The wildlife is probably more at risk from kids chasing them around the lawns every summer and people feeding them inappropriate food.
 
I support organised displays that run for 2 or 3 nights over residential areas where the public will be using fireworks for weeks on end. I would support more restrictions on the public use of fireworks over eradicating organised displays. That's another topic for debate, though.
 
Steve74 said:
Well the last 10 years of fireworks doesn't seem to have caused any harm to wildlife given that the ducks, geese, fish and other animals thrive at Towers every year. The wildlife is probably more at risk from kids chasing them around the lawns every summer and people feeding them inappropriate food.
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Citation needed.
How do you know the animals thrive?
Repeated loud noises stress animals, especially those in an open environment.

That is a bit like saying that wars are fine because there are still plenty of people about.

I'm all for fireworks, but to say they don't harm wildlife is rather a stretch of reality.
 
I’m going to the fireworks for the first time tomorrow, any tips on how to spend the day, where/when to head to the display area, how to get out of AT etc?
 
AndrewJD said:
I’m going to the fireworks for the first time tomorrow, any tips on how to spend the day, where/when to head to the display area, how to get out of AT etc?
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Enjoy the day as normal, get the back of the park done first (Dark Forest, Hex, X Sector) as these will start to close around 4pm. Depending on where you want to stand (I'd definitely recommend on the lawns rather than in Towers Street), find your spot at about 6ish. I suspect tomorrow will be the quietest out of the 3 days so you may even be able to get your spot later than that. Best judge it at the time.

If you want to leave straight after the display, I'd leave the park via the Galactica gate if you're parked in the main car parks. If you're staying until park close at 9, then I suspect it'll be pretty dead by then so it won't really matter what exit you leave through.
 
We have just upgraded our passes to platinum and have noticed Friday and Sunday is still available for booking can anyone advise please what day will be slightly more quieter please
 
Tomorrow should be quietest but will pick up after school/college as people make their way, Saturday will obviously be the busiest and Sunday should be a bit quieter.
 
rob666 said:
Citation needed.
How do you know the animals thrive?
Repeated loud noises stress animals, especially those in an open environment.

That is a bit like saying that wars are fine because there are still plenty of people about.

I'm all for fireworks, but to say they don't harm wildlife is rather a stretch of reality.
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Loud noises like rollercoasters? Maybe they should permanently close the Skyride as it's a danger to birds? ;)
 
Mhoowee said:
The wording in this is quite particular possible Galactica retheme/announcement?
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John Dalton was the name of the Phalanx spokesperson who was seemingly killed due to the Nemesis creature (as stated above). Either Towers have forgotten about this, or he was never eaten, and was promoted to CEO.
I think that a Galactica retheme is certainly on the cards.
 
AndrewJD said:
I’m going to the fireworks for the first time tomorrow, any tips on how to spend the day, where/when to head to the display area, how to get out of AT etc?
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They force all crowds leaving the park straight after the fireworks through mutiny bay, its exceedingly crowded and unpleasant.

I had the misfortune last year of being one of the first to arrive st the car park of the start of the day, so ended up stuck in the car park for approx 2 hours trying to get out. Plan for delays and you won’t be surprised.

Stake out a good spot for the fireworks nice and early but remember it’s an aerial display so you don’t need to be at the front barriers like it’s a rock concert or something.
 
I find that the best spot is the rear third of the lawns. As others have said, there’s no point getting there super early to be right at the front. It’s a huge display with immersion from all sides, so to fully appreciate the audio and lighting/effects all around you, I’d highly recommend being in the centre of lawns but towards the back.
 
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