Opening fireworks depicted the Siege of Brno

The Czech fireworks team Theatrum Pyroboli commemorated an important event in the  history of Brno with its fireworks overture: the successful defence against Swedish invaders during the Thirty Years' War. The people of Brno successfully repelled a three-month siege by Swedish troops, saving Vienna from attack and strengthening Brno's position as the capital of Moravia.

The fireworks lit up the sky above Špilberk Castle, the site of the battle for the city 380 years ago. Hundreds of spectators watched the prelude called Tribute to the Brave Defenders from Mendel Square. "I was intrigued by the fact that the fireworks were based on famous events in Brno, so I had to go and see them. I was most impressed by the first act," said spectator Marie Nejezchlebová.

The pyromusical began with yellow and blue tones reminiscent of the Swedish flag, accompanied by melodies from Two Steps from Hell. "It's another day of siege, fiery tails flying through the air. The ubiquitous yellows and blues of the attacking Swedes mingle with the silver flashes of cannon fire. The rest of the brave defenders are running out of strength, they can no longer resist the Swedish superiority," commented designer Karel Singer on the first act.

After a fiery battle between the blue and yellow Swedish effects and the red glowing colors of Brno, the bells suddenly rang out. The second act recalled one of Brno's most famous legends – about why noon is rung at eleven o'clock in Brno. The legend tells that the Swedes set a deadline for conquering the city at noon, and when they heard the bells, they withdrew without success.

The final act was celebratory in tone – the large golden shells at the end symbolised a rain of memories of all those who fell during the siege. Another member of the audience, Petr Vrána, appreciated their use: “I was surprised that the bells rang in the middle. In my opinion, the best part was the ending with the big effects.”

Ignis Brunensis continues on Saturday, 14 June, at Brno Lake, where a fleet of 300 drones will take off at 10 p.m. and create a show called The City and Region of Stories. At 10:30 p.m., British team in cooperation with Flash Barrandov SFX will take over the sky with the rock pyromusical A Tear in My Beer.

Dominika Lišková
The author graduated from FSS MU in Brno,
for more information from students of the faculty visit Stisk online