Make a date to join us for some of the most stunning firework displays you will ever see when six of the country’s leading professional pyrotechnic companies compete to become the the British Firework Champions 2026. Whether you bring a picnic or enjoy some of the fantastic food and drink available on Plymouth Hoe, there’s lots to enjoy in addition to the fireworks with a fun fair and live music.
There will be a fantastic entertainment programme as always on the Hoe in the build up to the British Firework Chamionships!
A no fly zone is in place with The Civil Aviation Authority between 13:00 UTC (14:00 BST) and 22:00 UTC (23:00 BST) on each day beginning with 12 August 2026 and ending on 13 August 2026.
If you’re planning on watching this year’s British Firework Championships from the water, make sure you’re also familiar with these top tips for keeping safe.
Since they were launched in 1997 by the Event Services Association (TESA) , the British Firework Championships have become a signature event for the UK firework industry attracting media coverage from as far afield as Australia.
Questions are often asked about the environmental impact of fireworks – in fact their carbon footprint is tiny compared to many other forms of entertainment.
The first British Firework Championships were held in 1997 and last year brought a new twist with 1st Galaxy Fireworks taking the 2019 crown while Selstar Fireworks were named Champion of Champions. Take a look at the previous winners.
With so many people visiting Plymouth for the event, the roads can easily become choked up with traffic, particularly at the end of the evening when everyone is trying to leave at the same time.
Starting at approximately 9.30pm (or as soon as it’s dark enough) there will be three 10 minute displays fired from Mountbatten breakwater. Each display will use up to 550kg NEM (Net Explosive Mass) – that’s over three tonnes of pyrotechnics each.
The Event Services Association, organisers of the British Firework Championships have issued the following guidelines for pet owners.
Nobody knows when the first fireworks were made, but fireworks were being used in ancient China long before they were known in other parts of the world.
We spend over £2 billion each year on fireworks in the UK, which itself tells us how much they are loved.
The name of Guy Fawkes has become synonymous with fireworks. The Gunpowder Plot conspirator became famous for his links to a group of Catholics, led by Robert Catesby, attempting to overthrow the government of James 1.
If you are planning to put on your own display – whether for bonfire night, a private party or simply because you enjoy fireworks – you may find the following guidelines helpful.
The most important thing when buying a professional firework display is to ensure that the company you employ is reputable and complies with both the law and industry good practice. The best way to check this is to ask the following questions:
