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The world-famous British Firework Championships, in partnership with Associated British Ports, is returning to Plymouth's waterfront on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 August 2025.
Look to the skies for one of Plymouth’s most spectacular annual events, where six former winners of the championships return to the stage in a battle to become the 'Champion of Champions.'
If you're planning on coming to this year's British Firework Championships, then here’s everything you need to know!
Jump to: When and where is the event | The competitors | What else is happening | Access information | Travel information | Be safe if on the water | Drones | Consider the environment | Make the most of your visit | About the partners
Where and when is the event?
The championships take place on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 August 2025, with the fireworks being set off from Mount Batten pier from 9.30pm.
The best viewing point is Plymouth Hoe, on the grassy areas surrounding Smeaton's Tower, however, the displays are visible from all around the waterfront.
The fun begins at 2pm on each day when the array of thrill-seeking fairground rides and delicious catering stands open up.
The live entertainment will begin on stage (located on the grass at the east end of the Hoe) from 5pm. A packed programme including DJs, and live music is planned for the evening, followed by commentary (including a British Sign Language Interpreter) 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 10-minute gap between each display.
If you can't make it to the event there will be an opportunity to watch the British Firework Championships online from 9pm on our Facebook or YouTube channel.
Subscribe to our channel, or like our Facebook page so you don't miss out!
The competitors
On Wednesday 13 August, the three teams taking to the skies are Sonic Fireworks, Skyburst the Firework Co, and BBB Fireworks.
These will be followed by Selstar Fireworks, Fully Fused Fireworks and 1st Galaxy Fireworks on Thursday 14 August.
The winner will be declared on the morning of Friday 15 August.
Find out more about the firework displays set to take place at the British Firework Championships.
What else is happening?
From 2pm on both days, you can indulge in a variety of food and drink stalls, as well as enjoy the fairground sites that will adorn the Hoe Promenade. Look out for the stilt walkers and fire performers who will be performing in the build-up to this year's fun.
There will also be stage entertainment on both days from 5pm, which includes live commentary (including a British Sign Language interpreter), live music and performances.
Wednesday's live music line-up:
The South West Selecta DJ set will kick off the evening from 5.15pm to 6pm, setting the tone with an energetic mix. Following that, The Rhodes will take the stage from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, bringing their signature sound to the crowd. Later in the evening, Sam Richardson & The Renegades will perform from 7.30pm to 8.45pm closing out the live music for the first night of the Championships.
Thursday's live music line-up:
South West Selecta DJ will once again start the evening with a DJ set from 5.15pm until 6pm. Next up, Russel Sinclair & The Smokin Locos will take the stage from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, bringing their blues-infused energy to the event. Later, Rue will perform from 7:30pm to 8:45pm, closing the night with a soulful and captivating set.
Check out the full live music programme.
Access Information
We aim to ensure all visitors can fully enjoy and participate in this year's British Firework Championships.
Discover all the access information you need to know ahead of this year's championships, including the site map, chill-out zones, drop-off points, accessible viewing platforms, road closures and more that are in place for this year's event.
Travel information
There's plenty of ways to travel to British Firework Championships.
Park and Ride
All visitors arriving by car are encouraged to use Plymouth’s Park and Ride services, provided by Stagecoach, which provides a quick and direct service to Royal Parade where passengers can either walk approximately 10 minutes up to the Hoe.
Additional Park and Ride services will be put on after the event finishes, both services 100 and 300 will depart from stop number A8 on Royal Parade.
Royal Parade to George Park and Ride (Service 100)
- Depart 10.35pm, arriving 10.44pm at Milehouse, 10.55pm at George
- Depart 10.50pm, arriving 10.59pm at Milehouse, 11.10pm at George
- Depart 11.05pm, arriving 11.14pm at Milehouseand, 11.40pm at George
- Depart 11.35pm, arriving 11.44pm at Milehouse, 11.55pm at George
Royal Parade to Milehouse & Coypool Park and Ride (Service 300)
- Depart 10.40pm arriving at 11.02pm
- Depart 10.55pm arriving at 11.17pm
- Depart 11.10pm arriving at 11.32pm
- Depart 11.25pm arriving at 11.47pm
- Depart 11.40pm arriving at 12.02am
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 of the city.
For the latest train travel information for British Firework Championships, visit the GWR website.
- 11.10pm to Penzance (calling at Saltash, St Germans, Liskeard, Bodmin Parkway and then all main line stations en route to Penzance)
- 11.14pm to Gunnislake (calling at all Tamar Valley Line stations)
- 11.14pm to Exeter St David’s (calling at Ivybridge, Totnes, Newton Abbot, Teignmouth and Dawlish)
- 11.24pm to Exeter St David’s (calling at Totnes and Newton Abbot)
Travelling by car
Travelling by car to Plymouth is easily accessible from most locations within the UK. Most driving routes will bring you onto the M5, which eventually merges to become the A38 bringing you directly to Plymouth.
We recommend you use Google Maps to plan the quickest route for you.
There are over 50 car parks and more than 5,200 parking spaces in Plymouth and plenty of street parking. 19 of these car parks are situated in and around the city centre, varying from short-term and long-term stays. There are spaces in each car park for disabled badge holders. Standard charges apply. Other options include Drake Circus and the Barcode with over 1,600 parking spaces available. Other options include Drake Circus and the Barcode where you can park for £3.50 when you arrive after 5pm and leave before the car park closes. Drake Circus car park is open until midnight and The Barcode park code is open until 1.15am.
If parking in Sutton Harbour, please expect long delays when leaving using the lock bridge as maritime traffic will be given priority when re-entering the harbour.
Disabled Parking
An extended parking area will be available on the Hoe promenade for blue badge holders, but spaces will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. Access will be via the Elliott Street entrance to the Hoe promenade from 5pm.
Drop off point
The best drop-off location, if you have access needs, is the Elliot Street entrance, this entrance has level access and leads directly onto the main promenade where the majority of the event activities are taking place, including the main viewing area and access platforms.
See all our accessibility information here.
Road closures and parking restrictions
At varying times throughout the event, several road closures will be in place across the waterfront. These are listed below:
- Hoe Road, from the mound at the citadel to the junction of Pier Street. 1pm to 11pm
- Madeira Road (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
- Top of Osborne Place to the junction of the back of The Esplanade. 7am to 11pm
- Citadel Road, from Lockyer street to Hoe Approach. 4pm 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
- Notte Street, from the junction of Millbay Road to the junction of Hoe Approach. 10pm to 11pm
- Staddon Lane, from the junction of Staddon Heights golf cub to the junction of Jennycliffe lane 4pm to 11pm
- Jennycliff Lane, from its junction of Staddon Lane to Church Hill road 4pm to 11pm
- Lawrence Road, from its junction by the pub to the pier. 7am on 13 August through to 12pm on 15 August
- Lawrence Road, from roundabout to junction of pub, 4pm to 10.30pm access for residents only.
- Princess Street, from the junction of Lockyer Street to the junction of Princess Ope, inc. access from Armada Way 10pm to 11pm
- Tapson Drive, from the junction of St Johns Road incorporating both Sunderland Close and Lych Close*
- Durwent Close, from the junction of Lawrence Road 4pm to 11pm*
- Cunliffe Avenue, from the junction of St Johns Road 4pm to 11pm*
*Soft closures only – residents permitted access at all times 4pm to 11pm
Jennycliff Lane is part of the Traffic Management plan, we allow the Jennycliff road public car park to be used until it has been full up and then close it off.
The following roads will be closed at various points both days of British Firework Championships on 13 and 14 August for parking, waiting, loading and unloading of vehicles.
- Osbourne Place (Top 6 bays). 7am to 11pm
- Armada loop (All bays). 7am to 11pm
- Princess Street from the junction of Princess Ope to Lockyer Street (7 bays). 7am to 11pm
- Hoe Road from the mound to Madeira Rd roundabout. (All bays) 7am to 11pm
- Hoe Road waterfront from the Maderia Rd roundabout to the Grand Parade Roundabout. (All bays) 1pm to 11pm
- Citadel Rd from the junction of Sussex Place to Lockyer Street. (All bays) 7am to 11pm
- Lawrence Road in its entirety (both sides). 7am to 11pm
- Madeira Road from the junction of Lambhay hill to The Hoe Road/Maderia Road Roudabout. 7am to 11pm
- Jennycliffe Lane from the junction of Church Hill Rd to Staddon Lane. 7am to 11pm
Discover further details and advice on our travel information page.
Be safe if out on the water
Please enjoy the event but be safe. Whether you are on the water or along the waterfront, be mindful to follow all the common sense rules to keep yourself and your family safe. If you get into difficulties, remember Float to Live. Stay calm, float on your back and call for help.
Check out our safety information 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 include:
- Reducing the use of plastics in fireworks displays
- Reducing the use of plastic at our catering stands
- Public recycling bins will be available on the Hoe promenade and visitors are asked to recycle as much as possible and using the appropriate bins. We ask visitors to take their rubbish home with them if the bins are full/unavailable.
- Take your litter home if bins are full
- Discard cigarettes carefully
Drones
There is a restricted air space covering the area making it a criminal offence to use the drone during the event. The no-fly zone is in place with The Civil Aviation Authority between 3pm and 11pm on each day beginning on 13 August 2025 and ending on 14 August 2025.
Make the most of your visit
- Even though it is supposed to be summer...the weather can be unpredictable. We advise you to check the forecast in advance and dress appropriately to ensure you keep warm - it can be chilly on the Hoe at night.
- 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!) Check out our waterfront restaurants blog for further inspiration.
About the partners
Associated British Ports
Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest port operator, is the lead partner with the British Firework Championships.
ABP is the UK’s largest port operator and owns and operates Plymouth’s Millbay Docks, which is a key hub for Brittany Ferries.
The dock contributes over £93m to the UK economy, handling around 80,000 tonnes of cargo each year. The Millbay Ferry Terminal is recently undergone strategic infrastructure upgrades, worth a total of £23m.
This was a combined investment from ABP, Brittany Ferries and with support from the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport seed capital programme.
Plymouth Citybus
For the second year running, Plymouth Citybus is the sponsor of the Young People's Choice Award,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.
Jeremiah's Journey
Jeremiah's Journey are this year's charity partner.
Jeremiah’s Journey is a local bereavement charity dedicated to providing age appropriate therapeutic interventions to children, young people and their families to ensure they have support at a sad and difficult time.
The aim is to reduce prolonged and traumatic distress after bereavement.
The charity receives no statutory funding and relies on the generosity of the public and local businesses to enable them to provide support to over 700 children and young people every year with the wider family benefit extending to 2000 people annually.
Find out more about Jeremiah's Journey.
In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner
Is it really being streamed from 9am each night?