Category: what's on

The world-famous British Firework Championships, in partnership with Brittany Ferries, is returning to Plymouth's waterfront on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 August 2023. 

Look to the skies for one of Plymouth's biggest events of the year, where six of the UK’s top fireworks display companies compete to be crowned the best. Each company puts on a ten-minute long display guaranteed to make jaws drop, with three displays on each night.

If you're planning on coming to this year's British Firework Championships, then here’s everything you need to know!

Jump to: Where and when is the event? | Win a weekend in London | The competitors | What else is happening? | Access InformationTravel information | Water safety | Consider the environment | Drones | Top tips | About the partners

     

Where and when is the event?

The championships take place on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 August 2023, with the fireworks being set off from Mount Batten pier from 9.30pm. The best viewing point is Plymouth Hoe, however the displays are visible from all around the waterfront.

There’s activity to enjoy on Plymouth Hoe from 2pm each day, including catering stands and fairground rides.

Entertainment will begin on stage (located on the grass at the east end of the Hoe) at 5pm, which includes DJs and live music, and commentary during the displays.

The firework displays will begin at 9.30pm each day, with three teams putting on a 10-minute display each evening. There’s approximately a ten minute gap between each display.

If you can't make it to the event, you can join us virtually as we'll be live streaming the event from 9pm both nights on our YouTube channel

Check out the event map for details on where everything is.

Buy a programme, win a weekend in London

Make sure you buy one of this year’s British Firework Championships Programme to be in with the chance of winning a weekend in London!

You can buy your copy in advance from the Tourist Information Centre on the Barbican or from our event stewards on the night. Only those with access to the QR code can enter the competition to win a night at our accommodation partner, Moxy and dine at London’s premier Argentine restaurant, Gaucho, with free GWR rail tickets to get you there.

       

The competitors

On Wednesday 16 August, the three teams are The UK Fireworks Company, Distant Thunder Fireworks and Shockwave, Pyrotechnics

On Thursday 17 August, the three teams are Skyburst, the Fireworks Co., Pyrovision and Electrify Pyrotechnics

The winner will be declared on Thursday 17 August evening, after all displays have taken place.

      

What else is happening?

From 2pm on both days, you can indulge in a variety of food and drink stalls, as well as enjoying thrilling fairground rides.

There will also be stage entertainment on both days from 5pm, which includes live commentary, live music and performances.

Wednesday's live music line-up:

Family-friendly Ibiza chill and summer jams with CASA from 5pm to 6pm, Mad Dog Mcrea acoustic set with the unique blend of folk, rock, pop, gypsy and bluegrass music from 6.15pm to 7pm and finishing with the award-winning songwriter with a reputation for wild live shows,  The Andy Quick Band from 7.30pm to 8.45pm.

Thursday's live music line-up:

Family-friendly Ibiza chill and summer jams with CASA from 5pm to 6pm, Malavita with the groove of the underworld from 6.15pm to 7pm and finishing with Land of The Giants' foot-stomping beats and contagious enthusiasm  from 7.30pm to 8.45pm.

Check out the full live music programme and their bios.                

   

Access Information

We aim to ensure all visitors can fully enjoy and participate in the British Firework Championships.

Check out our access information page, which includes site map, chill out zone, sensory needs, information points, accessible toilets, blue badge parking, accessible viewing area, and details of the BSL Interpreted Performance.

   

Travel information

Bus travel

We recommend using local bus services to get to-and-from the event as traffic around the Hoe will be very busy – a bus to Royal Parade will be the best bet as it is only a 10-minute walk from there.

All three Park & Ride locations will operate additional services throughout both evenings:

For journeys into the city centre:

  • Milehouse Park and Ride, buses run every 15 minutes from 7pm until 9.30pm
  • Coypool Park and Ride, service 200 runs every 20 minutes throughout the day until 6.50pm
  • George Park and Ride, running approximately every 10 minutes throughout the day until 6.34pm, then every 20 minutes from 6.34pm until 7.45pm, this is the last Stagecoach bus. The Plymouth Citybus 42C service departs the George at 7pm, 8.02pm, and 9.02pm.

For journeys from the city centre:

  • Milehouse Park and Ride, buses run every 15 minutes from 10.30pm until 11.45pm, which is the final bus.
  • Coypool Park and Ride, running every 10 minutes from 10.30pm until 11.40pm, which is the final bus.
  • George Park and Ride, running every 8 minutes from 10.30pm until 11.42pm, which is the final bus.

Travelling by train

GWR will be operating their regular timetabled service, however they aim to provide extra capacity on their trains where possible for travellers in and out the city. This means that on both days of the event:

  • The last journey from Plymouth to Liskeard service departing at 11.10pm, calling to set down only at Saltash and St Germans.
  • The last journey from Plymouth to Gunnislake service departing at 11.14pm, calling all usual stations.
  • The last journey from Plymouth to Newton Abbot departing at 11.27pm, calling to set down only at Totnes

Travelling by car 

If you’re travelling by car, we would advise using the Park & Ride sites (more detail below). There's also parking nearby in either the Theatre Royal or Western Approach car park. See the full list of car parks in Plymouth.

If you’re a blue badge holder, then there will be spaces available on Plymouth Hoe promenade to park, but please note spaces will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Access will be via Elliott Street entrance to the Hoe promenade from 5pm till 11pm. See all our accessibility information here

Road closures and parking restrictions

There will also be road closures and parking restrictions around Plymouth Hoe during the event, as well as at Jennycliff and Mount Batten.

  • Hoe Road (from the mound at the citadel to the junction of Pier Street) 1pm to 11pm.
  • Madeira Road (from the junction of Elphinstone car park in its entirety) 1pm to 11pm.
  • Armada way loop (Crowne Plaza with its junction of Citadel Road) 4pm to 11pm.
  • Windsor Place (in its entirety) 4pm to 11pm.
  • Lockyer Street (from the entrance to the Promenade to the junction of The Esplanade) 7am to 11pm.
  • Citadel Road (from the junction with Lockyer Street to the junction of Sussex Street) 4pm to 11pm.
  • Princess Street (from the junction of Lockyer Street to the junction of Princess Ope, inc. access from Armada Way) 10pm to 11pm.
  • Lockyer Street (from the junction of Citadel Road to the junction of Notte Street with no access from Alfred Street) 10pm to 11pm.
  • The Crescent (from the junction with Millbay Road to the junction with Athenaeum Street) 10pm to 11pm.
  • Notte Street (from the junction of Athenaeum Street to the junction of Hoe Approach) 10pm to 11pm.
  • Staddon Lane (from the junction of Staddon heights golf cub to the junction of Jennycliff lane) 4pm to 11pm.
  • Jennycliff lane (from its junction of Staddon Lane to Lalebrick Road) 4pm to 11pm.
  • Lawrence Road (from its junction by the pub to the pier) 7am on the 16 August through to 12pm on the 18 August.

 See all the details on our Travel page

   

Be safe if out on the water

If you’re planning on watching this year’s British Firework Championships from the water, make sure you’re familiar with our top tips for keeping safe.  If you get into difficulties, remember Float to Live. Stay calm, float on your back and call for help.

Check out our water safety page for more details.

   

Consider the environment

As part of our pledge to reduce single use plastics in Plymouth, we will be undertaking a series of measures at the competition, which includes:

  • Reducing the use of plastics in the firework displays
  • Reducing the use of plastic at our catering stands
  • Public recycling bins will be available on the Hoe promenade and visitors asked to recycle as much as possible and using the appropriate bins. We ask visitors to take their rubbish home with them if them if the bins are full/unavailable.
  • Take your litter home if bins are full
  • Discard cigarettes carefully

        

Drones

Do not fly drones during the event – there is a restricted air space covering the area making it a criminal offence.   

     

Our top tips to make the most of it!

  • The weather can be unpredictable – and it can be chilly at night – so check the forecast, dress appropriately and make sure you wrap up warm.
  • Plan your journey in advance. The roads will be busy, so take public transport, walk or cycle if you can and check out our full travel information.
  • Due to the volume of people attending, your mobile signal may be unreliable so agree on a meeting point for friends or family in case you get separated.
  • If you’re planning to eat at one of our many brilliant restaurants, cafes or bars beforehand we’d recommend booking a table in advance (and do so quickly, as they’re likely to be busy!) 

   

About the partners

Brittany Ferries

Celebrating half a century in business, Brittany Ferries has partnered with this year's British Firework Championships.  This event puts Plymouth firmly on the national stage, so it’s very fitting to have Brittany Ferries – a business passionate about the environment, the people, and the economy of the regions it serves – driving this event forward with Britain’s Ocean City.    

Moxy Hotel

As the official accommodation provider for British Firework Championships, Moxy Hotel is looking forward to welcoming visitors to their brand-new hotel where they will be able to enjoy the vibrant new waterfront quarter, within the historic docks. Located close to the city centre, the new hotel is also within walking distance of the Theatre Royal, Royal William Yard, Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth Sound and The Hoe as well as a whole host of independent restaurants, bars and shops.

Plymouth Citybus

Plymouth Citybus is sponsor of the Young People's Choice Award, new for this year, where eight care-experienced children and young people will supplement the judging panel of industry experts to score the spectacular displays.

This opportunity for young people which reflects Plymouth Citybus' passion for supporting the community, and their initiative to provide lower-priced tickets is also part of their drive to give families and youngsters the choice to move around the city more affordably. The community is at the heart of everything Plymouth Citybus does, and will continue to support local community initiatives, charities and organisations in any way that they can.


In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner  

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    Extremely comprehensive. Everything one needs to know about the fireworks competition.
    Is it really being streamed from 9am each night?
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