|
1st May 2007
Report by Trevor Connell
On Friday 27th April 2007 Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics, one of the worlds most creative producers of fireworks, celebrated their 85th birthday in spectacular style with a cocktail party at the Sydney Opera House and a dazzling large scale fireworks display fired from barges on Sydney Harbour.
Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics are recognised as one of the world leaders in the fireworks industry responsible for producing some of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the world - a great achievement for the Australian, fourth generation family owned business.
The company was founded in 1922 by Sydney Howard Snr, who working as an engineer with BHP in Newcastle, New South Wales had a keen interest in pyrotechnics, the art of fireworks. He pursued his interests by presenting small scale fireworks displays for his local community and as word quickly spread of Mr Howard’s rare talent, demand for his services grew across Australia and he established the company on a permanent basis.
Today, Andrew and his brother Christian are fourth generation directors of Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics. They have taken pyrotechnics as an art form to another level through combining cutting-edge technology with pyrotechnic manufacturing and design.
Howard & Sons have pioneered the conceptualization, development and production of ‘close proximity’ pyrotechnics, debris-less pyrotechnics and unique pyromusical displays through the use of unique computer firing systems and design software.
Clients, suppliers, past and present staff members, family and friends of the family company enjoyed the display from a cocktail function at the Sydney Opera House Marquee.
The event also managed to get a little inaccurate media coverage from Channel 7 news who claimed that the “unauthorised event” had people ringing emergency services and the Channel 7 switchboard about a “terrorist attack”
View the Channel 7 report here
For the record, Andrew Howard contacted Channel 7 who admitted that they did not receive any phone calls and their switchboard did not melt down.
Andrew confirmed that all emergency services permits were in place 30 days prior to this so called unscheduled display and that no complaints were received by the Police, NSW Waterways, Fire Brigade and or Local Councils.
Andrew is now wondering if his crew should be fitted with tea towels for the next gig to be covered by Channel 7.
Social photos from this event
|
