Countdown to British Firework Championships

Excitement is building as the pyrotechnic wizards taking part in this year’s British Firework Championships prepare to ignite the skies over Plymouth.

The internationally-famous annual event sees six of the country’s greatest professional display teams battling it out over two dazzling nights with tens of thousands of people expected to flock to the Hoe to see some of the world’s best high tech sky sorcery, as well as the promise of firework tricks never seen before.

Now in its 20th year it is one of the highlights of the Ocean City calendar and takes place on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 August.

Trevor Whichello, owner of Distant Thunder Fireworks, said: “This is the first time we’ve competed and it’s a really prestigious event so we’ve put a lot of work into our display.

“The championships are recognised throughout the world. British teams have a reputation for designing some of the best shows thanks to our technical abilities, ideas and creativity.”

First to light the fuse at around 9:30pm on Tuesday will be Wiltshire-based Smart Pyrotechnics, followed by Kent-based Phoenix Fireworks and F1 Pyrotechnics from West Sussex.

The remaining teams will be keeping their powder dry until the following night when Sussex-based Aurora Fireworks will kick things off, followed by Northampton-based teams Distant Thunder and Gala Fireworks.

The displays begin after nightfall but the fun begins at 6:30pm on the Hoe where Heart Radio will be on the main stage with entertainment, competitions and music hosted by the breakfast show’s Matt and Caroline.

Live bands will follow from 8:30 until 9:30pm, with The Poet Junkies performing on Tuesday and Ten Zero One on Wednesday. There will also be fairground rides and food stalls.

The council’s cabinet member for culture, Councillor Glenn Jordan, said: “Every year the judging gets harder and harder as the teams cram more bangs, explosions and sparkle into every minute.

“It really will be an event to remember and I can’t think of a better place to host the British Firework Championship.”

Plymouth City Council runs the competition in partnership with The Events Services Association (TESA), with Plymouth chosen as the host city in 1997 because its beautiful harbour forms a natural amphitheatre.