A week of fireworks and festival fun

It’s one of the biggest weeks in Plymouth’s events calendar as the British Firework Championships return on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 August, followed by the Ocean City Blues ‘n’ Jazz Festival from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 August.

The British Firework Championships offer two nights of spectacular pyrotechnics that are completely free to enjoy. The displays are fired from Mount Batten breakwater, making Plymouth Hoe the prime viewing area and a hub of entertainment, with a funfair, music and a showing of family-favourite Toy Story on the Heart FM big screen each evening.

Three 10-minute displays take place on both nights, starting at 9.30pm. This year’s competitors, listed in firing order, are:

Wednesday 8 August
Fuse Fireworks, from Blyth, Nottinghamshire
Fully Fused Fireworks, from Campton, Bedfordshire
The UK Firework Company, from London

Thursday 9 August
Smart Pyrotechnics, from Devizes, Wiltshire
Illusion Fireworks, from Wallingford, Oxfordshire
Phoenix Fireworks, from Sevenoaks, Kent

The winner will be declared on Thursday night after all six displays have taken place.

Additional train, bus and park and ride services will run each day to help visitors enjoy the event. Anyone arriving by car is encouraged to use the Coypool, Milehouse or George Junction park and ride sites.

There is limited parking on the Hoe promenade for Blue Badge holders, with spaces given on a first come, first served basis. Access will be via the Elliott Street entrance to the Hoe promenade from 5.30pm.

Following the explosive excitement of the fireworks, the Ocean City Blues ‘n’ Jazz Festival offers a relaxed weekend on the Barbican.

A range of jazz and blues styles will be showcased over the three days, with musicians performing on stage in The Parade from midday. It’s free to attend and visitors can enjoy a drink and a bite to eat from one of the many local bars, cafes and shops while listening to the performances.

Acts lined up to perform include the Andy Quick Band, The Rumblestrutters, the Lottie Bolt Band and many more.

Deputy Council Leader Pete Smith said: “Plymouth is home to a huge range of incredible events offering something for everyone and this week is one of the busiest in the year, with two exciting – and completely free – events for locals and visitors to enjoy.

“The fireworks attract tens of thousands of visitors to Britain’s Ocean City every year, while the Ocean City Blues ‘n’ Jazz Festival gives everyone the chance to enjoy performances from some of the region’s best musicians.”