100,000 expected at firework championships

THIS year’s British Firework Championships is once again returning to Plymouth for two nights and is expected to be watched by as many as 100,000 people

- Daniel Clark

This year’s contest will take place on Wednesday, August 16, and Thursday, August 17, with thousands of spectators lining various points from the Hoe to Mount Batten Peninsula.

Six companies are once again seeking the coveted title of British Firework Champions, with a special group of young judges this year being given a central part in the judging process.

Up to 10 care-experienced children and young people will supplement the judging panel of industry experts to score the spectacular displays.

They’ll have exclusive access to view the vibrant extravaganza from the walls of the Royal Citadel, directly opposite the firing site on the Mountbatten breakwater.

And they’ll get the chance to grade the displays on four categories – variety of fireworks and sequences, rhythm of the display, use of colour and the wow factor.

The New Young People’s Choice Award will then be presented to the winner by the young judges, the Lord Mayor and Plymouth Citybus, headline sponsors of the prestigious new accolade.

Each evening three fireworks companies will showcase their displays at 9.30pm, 9.50pm and 10.10pm.

However, the fun and entertainment will start long before that with fairground rides and catering opening on Plymouth Hoe from 2pm each afternoon, followed by a DJ and live music both nights, with the prize-giving taking place at 11pm on August 17.

The British Firework Championships is this year being held in partnership with Brittany Ferries and accommodation sponsors Moxy Hotels, and Smeaton’s Tower will be lit up with the Brittany Ferries logo during the event.