In Lahti, the stage of the light work is the Mustankallio water tower, in Hämeenlinna the historical Hämeen castle.
Lahti and Hämeenlinna organize spectacular fireworks at the turn of the year. They replace traditional fireworks.
Hämeenlinna’s fireworks are planned and implemented by Showtekniikka Torvinen from Hämeenlinna.
In Hämeenlinna, a quarter-long firework display is organized at 7 pm and 12 pm. The best place to watch it is Linnanpuisto, but depending on the weather, the show will be visible in the sky of the inner city area.
– Festiveness and surprise are important in such a show that aims to be spectacular. The fact that the audience gets to see something they haven’t seen before is described by Panu Koskinen of Showtechnik Torvinen.
A world of light around the water tower
– The water tower is on a high hill and this can easily be seen from many different directions. You can make big ensembles with this and create a mystical world of light around the tower.
Even in Lahti, the fireworks last about a quarter of an hour and are organized at 8, 10 and 12 p.m. Good viewing spots can be found at least in the direction of Kirkkopuisto and the market, as well as Kivimaa school and Hirsimetsä, Saarinen advises.
The weather can surprise even the designer
In Finland, the weather at the turn of the year is often gloomy. It’s a double-edged sword for fireworks, describes Timo Saarinen. The weather affects how far the water tower is visible. On the other hand, the fog might give the performances its own extra.
– It is possible that changing weather and, for example, fog will add unexpected, sweet new elements to this, which we may not be able to assess in advance. When we have three shows, it may be that each show is different, reflects Saarinen.
There have not been many fireworks displays in Finland in the past, but Saarinen believes that they will increase.
– Nowadays, the trend is to do such big things and want to offer new experiences, because it is technically possible relatively easily.