How do Fireworks Happen?

For those of us who love the technological and scientific aspect of everything, it is a real shame that when it comes to fireworks the only thing that people tend to see is the final result.
Don’t get us wrong, the final result is one that is often mightily impressive, with a brilliant bang and a flash of light that captivates individuals no matter what their age.
But what is behind the end result?

Lighting Up

Most fireworks use a relatively simple timing fuse, designed so the firework detonates after several seconds of elevating into the air. The elevation itself happens through lighting a lift charge, although the outside of the firework often only has one lighting point for easy use. This allows a firework to reach an appropriate height before exploding spectacularly; they wouldn’t quite be the same at ground level, would they?
Fireworks that feature multiple detonations make use of a more complex fuse system, where one explosion triggers another fuse, and so on, until the firework has been fully detonated.

three fireworks in pink, green and yellow strobes

Starry Eyed Surprise

If a firework just went up into the sky and exploded it wouldn’t have quite the same level of attraction without the colour, would it? The colourful pieces of a firework are known as the “stars,” and are mixed together using a variety of chemicals and materials in order to give each firework its unique colour. The black powder is what causes fireworks to crackle ominously as they fire into the sky and explode.
Some fireworks are famous for their distinct, high-pitched whistle when they are fired high into the sky. The placing of tubes within fireworks, so that when the fuse burns the gases generated are shot through the inner tubes to create the well-known and instantly recognisable effect, causes this effect.

Living Colours

Fireworks come in all colours, however due to science some are easier to produce than others. Based on the spectrum of light, reds, yellows, and greens are the most common and easier to produce fireworks as they require much less accuracy in mixing the chemicals in order to get the best effect.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, darker blues are the most difficult to create, as the chemical reaction needs to be almost perfect every time. Various chemicals, including magnesium, titanium, copper, and barium are involved in the production of fireworks.
Next time you attend a fireworks display, look up at the sky and think of how they are made. Not only will you know why they whistle, you will know why there are fewer blues than the other regular firework colours!

Share to Social Media

Subscribe for the latest news and blog updates

You might also be interested in

Our lineup for new firework selection boxes 2024 is nothing short of spectacular. We’ve curated the finest assortment of rockets,...

Brightstar has once again raised the bar with their new fireworks collection. Established in 1992, Bright Star Fireworks continues to...

At Firework Crazy, we’re dedicated to curating exhilarating fireworks that surpass the competition while adhering to legal regulations. The new...

Scroll to Top

Delivery Information

Next Day

 – You will receive your order the following working day from day of despatch (not including Saturday/Sunday). We endeavour to dispatch all orders placed before 12pm the same day although this is not always possible in our busy season, October – December. If you require your order by a certain date enter this in the “order notes” section on the next page. All dates are treated as the latest date for delivery NOT the date you would like delivery.


Hold For Later Delivery

– This option is for those who would like us to hold on to their order and deliver it nearer to the date of their display. You should enter this date in the “order notes” section on the next page.


Collect from Chelmsford Store

– Select this option if you would like to collect your order. Enter the date you would like to collect and AM/PM in the “order notes” section on the next page. Collection is not available on SATURDAY 2nd NOVEMBER 2019. You will be required to bring the card you used to pay with and photo ID before you can collect your order. THESE MUST MATCH.


Add to Existing Order

 – If you already have an order with us and would like to add to it before it is shipped, select this option then enter your existing order number in the “order notes” section on the next page.


Saturday Delivery

 – Enter the date you would like your order delivered in the “order notes” section on the next page. If this is blank your order will be delivered on the next Saturday after the day of ordering. PLEASE NOTE it is not possible to deliver orders on the Saturday either side of Bonfire Night, Christmas or New Year


AM DELIVERY

 – Your order will be delivered before midday the day after it has been dispatched (excluding Saturday / Sunday)


Before 10:30 am

 – Your order will be delivered before 10:30am the day after it has been dispatched (excluding Saturday / Sunday).