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Calgary Herald

Ready for the fireworks? Everything you need to know about GlobalFest 2025

Calgary is set for five nights of explosive fun this month as GlobalFest returns to Elliston Park on Thursday. Article content The annual multicultural celebration and international fireworks competition runs for five nights between Aug. 14-23, blending dazzling pyrotechnics, global cuisine and live cultural performances. Article content Article content Here's what to expect this year – from the artistry behind the fireworks to the food, music and pavilions that make GlobalFest one of the city's most unique summer events. Article content This year's Panasia-themed lineup will see the return of defending champions team USA (Aug. 14), followed by Malaysia (Aug.16), Phillipines (Aug. 19) and China (Aug. 21). A Canadian-designed finale will close the festival on Aug. 23. Article content Each team creates a 24-minute 'pyromusical' – fireworks choreographed to music – judged on elements like technical precision, soundtrack, storytelling and cultural representation. At least half the music used in each show must come from the team's country of origin. Article content 'It's science, engineering and art, all blended into one,' said GlobalFest chief operating officer Ken Goosen. 'You've got 24 minutes to take your audience on a journey like no other.' Article content Article content This year's fireworks finale is designed by GlobalFest fireworks director Kelly Guille, one of Canada's top pyrotechnic designers, whose credits include Vancouver's Celebration of Light and the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Article content Article content Built around a 'water journey' theme, the show blends cinematic storytelling with low-level effects and pyro products not used in previous years. Article content 'This is a big production,' Guille said. 'I encourage people to come out and see what they can pick out (that is) different from years past.' Article content 'One of the wonderful things about the site is that it's multi-sensory,' Goosen said. 'You feel the fireworks' breaks on your chest… You hear those bangs, you see it unfolding in front of you.'