Pyrotechnic specialist The World Famous, which has fired at events from The Big Chill and Bestival to Chinese New Year and Titanic Belfast, is to close at the end of this year.

‘There have always been challenges inherent in making shows for large audiences with public money, but in this changing political and financial climate, it is becoming increasingly difficult to create free and accessible shows and retain our artistic integrity,’ a statement from the company said. ‘As overall Arts subsidy decreases there is a cultural shift towards more elitist ‘high’ art, and in many cases this year’s increased spending will add to the dearth of resources in 2013 and beyond.

‘We believe it is better to leave the stage with heads held high at the end of one of the company’s busiest years than to struggle to keep afloat while losing the essence of what The World Famous has always been about, pushing the boundaries, taking creative risks and thinking big.’

Pyrotechnic specialist The World Famous, which has fired at events from The Big Chill and Bestival to Chinese New Year and Titanic Belfast, is to close at the end of this year.

‘There have always been challenges inherent in making shows for large audiences with public money, but in this changing political and financial climate, it is becoming increasingly difficult to create free and accessible shows and retain our artistic integrity,’ a statement from the company said. ‘As overall Arts subsidy decreases there is a cultural shift towards more elitist ‘high’ art, and in many cases this year’s increased spending will add to the dearth of resources in 2013 and beyond.

‘We believe it is better to leave the stage with heads held high at the end of one of the company’s busiest years than to struggle to keep afloat while losing the essence of what The World Famous has always been about, pushing the boundaries, taking creative risks and thinking big.’