Ten teams from various countries and regions will participate in the 20th Macao International Fireworks Displays Contest to be held?in Macao?in late September and early October, the Tourist Office (MGTO) of the Macao Special Administrative Region announced on Monday.

The contest, organized by MGTO, will be held on Sept. 13, 24,20, 27 and October 1 at the sea area in front of the Macao Tower.

Ten teams from Germany, South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Chinese Taiwan, the Philippines, France, Australia and China will participate in the contest.

Each participating team is requested to complement their display with music to enthrall the audience with a light and soundspectacular, MGTO Director Joao Manuel Costa Antunes said at a conference.

To celebrate the 20th edition, MGTO has invited teams with distinguished performances in international contests. A number of teams joining the contest this year have won championships before in Macao, including a two-time champion from Japan and winning teams from Portugal and France.

To enhance the quality and attractiveness of the contest, MGTO also said that it has increased the production subsidy and cash prizes to the fireworks teams.

The production subsidy has been raised from 17,500 to 20,000 U.S. dollars, while Cash prize to the winner has increased from 6,000 to 8,000 dollars.

In order to capture the spectacular moments of the fireworks display contest, photo and drawing competitions will also be held again this year, according to the organizer.