Plymouth prepares for ‘explosive’ British Firework Championships next week
Six leading pyrotechnic companies will compete over two evenings at Plymouth Hoe as the British Firework Championships return, attracting large crowds to the waterfront
Next week sees the British Firework Championships return to Plymouth Hoe on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August.
Described as “the most explosive event of the year” by Visit Plymouth, the annual competition will see six pyrotechnic companies compete across two evenings.
Three ten-minute displays will take place each night above Plymouth Sound, with fireworks scheduled for 9.30pm, 9.50pm and 10.10pm on both evenings.
This year's competitors are Electrify Pyrotechnics, Smart Pyrotechnics Ltd and G2 Fireworks on Wednesday, followed by Nemisis Pyrotechnics Ltd, AJ Pyrotechnics Ltd and The Fireworkers Ltd on Thursday.
The winner will be decided by two judging panels; one made up of pyrotechnics professionals and another composed of members of the public from across Plymouth.
A separate panel of local care-experienced children and young people will also choose the Young People's Choice Award.
The overall winners are due to be announced on the morning of Friday 14 August.
Alongside the fireworks, Plymouth Hoe will host live music, street entertainment, food and drink stalls, and fairground rides from 5pm on both days.
The event is free to attend, with Plymouth Hoe and Hoe Road expected to be the main viewing locations.
A live stream will also be available from 8.50pm each evening, with links to be released closer to the event.
People planning to watch from the water are being reminded to follow safety guidance.
A water safety exclusion zone will be in place between 9pm and 10.40pm on both nights to allow access for emergency vessels.
Plymouth City Council said environmental measures are again in place for the event.
These include restrictions on certain fireworks, limits on the size of displays and a requirement for competitors to remove non-essential plastics and submit environmental statements in advance.
The council was granted a 10-year Marine Licence for the championships in 2026 following a Habitats Regulation Assessment and Marine Mammal Protection Plan.
The British Firework Championships were launched in 1997 by the Event Services Association in partnership with Plymouth City Council and have become one of the city's flagship annual events.
Last year's Champion of Champions title was won by SelStar Fireworks, with BBB Fireworks finishing as runners-up and also receiving the Young People's Choice Award.