One of the most exciting events in the British fireworks calendar is the British Firework Championships. This year, the competition will take place on August 8 and 9 in Plymouth. Fireworks Crazy has all the information about the competition and how you can get involved with this great British event.
What is the British Firework Championship about?
The competition first took place in 1997 when the Event Services Association (TESA) decided to organise something different. The country didn’t have a proper competition to test the skills of firework groups so the trade body leapt into action.
Plymouth was chosen to be the location for this new annual event. It was picked for its amazing location, with the harbour offering a unique and easy vantage point. The location has proved to be a success – not even finding a World War II bomb has stopped the show.
The closest thing to cancellation happened in 2012 when gale force winds meant the judges decided not to name a winner.
Last year’s winner was Selstar Fireworks from West Sussex. Their winning performance can be viewed in the clip below:
British Firework Championships 2018
The competition always features six teams and 2018 is no exception. Three teams will perform on Wednesday 8th August and the remaining three on Thursday 9th August.
Aside from the displays, you can also find plenty of entertainment on The Hoe. There will be a fun fair and live music. Catering is provided and you’ll get to enjoy a festive atmosphere in the many local pubs around Plymouth.
The performing groups
The performing groups have been announced and the first three to perform are:
- Fuse Fireworks
- Fully Fused Fireworks
- UK Firework Company
The teams wowing crowds on the second day of the competition will be:
- Smart Pyrotechnics
- Illusion Fireworks
- Phoenix Fireworks
The groups are some of UK’s best so you will be guaranteed to see spectacular shows from all of them.
The venue
The displays are fired from the Mountbatten breakwater in Plymouth. The organisers recommend watching the show from Citadel and The Hoe – both offer fantastic views!
You don’t have to pay entrance fees but the areas along Madeira Road will start getting busy early in the evening, especially if the weather is good. Therefore, you do want to come early enough to get a good spot.
Other popular viewing areas include:
- The Queen Anne’s Battery
- Mountbatten
- The Jennycliff area
On a nice weather, all of these will fill up quickly so you want to make your way to a good viewing spot early in the day. Luckily, these are all good picnic spots too!
Be part of a spectacular firework summer
If you’re thinking of something fun to do this summer, visiting Plymouth during the British Firework Championships 2018 is definitely a good idea. It’s a fun event for the whole family.
You can also attend one of the remaining Firework Champions competitions or shop to create your own display. Check out information on the Firework Crazy website for ideas and the best fireworks for a summer display!