Come behind the scenes of Fireworks at Alton Towers Resort
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
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.”
And all of them will have minimum packaging that probably burns up when they explode anyway.
