British Firework Championships 2026: Everything you need to know

The world-famous British Firework Championships, in partnership with Associated British Ports and ZeroUSV, are back in Plymouth on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August 2026.  

Look to the skies for one of Plymouth’s most spectacular annual events, where six pyrotechnic companies from across the country showcase their displays in the night skies over Plymouth Sound 

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 | Partial Solar Eclipse | 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 12 and Thursday 13 August 2026, 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 5.30pm. A packed programme of 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 8.50pm 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 12 August, the three teams taking to the skies are Electrify Pyrotehcnics, Smart Pyrotechnics and G2 Fireworks.  

These will be followed by Nemesis Pyrotechnics, AJ Pyrotechnics and The Fireworkers on Thursday 13 August. 

The winner will be declared on the morning of Friday 14 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 street performers who will be performing in the build-up to this year's fun. 

There will also be stage entertainment on both days from 5.30pm, which includes live commentary (including a British Sign Language interpreter), live music and performances. 

Wednesday's live music line-up: 

The Shred will kick off the evening of live music at 5.30pm to 6.30pm.They’ll be followed by Joey The Lips from 7pm to 8.30pm. 

Thursday's live music line-up: 

Thursday’s music programme begins with a performance from The Moon Groove Collective who’ll be performing from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Joey the Lips will follow on from this at 7pm to 8.30pm. 

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. 

The last service departure from Coypool park and ride to Plymouth City Centre is at 6.35pm on 12 and 13 August. 

At the end of the event for all park and ride services please catch outside the Theatre Royal Stop A8. 

Bus service 100 will depart from Theatre Royal stop A8 going to Milehouse and the George from 10.35pm every 15 minutes, up until the last bus at 11.35pm. Bus service 200 will depart from Theatre Royal going to Coypool from 10.40pm every 15 minutes, up until the last bus at 11.40pm. 

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) 

• 11.34pm to Exeter St David’s (calling at Ivybridge, Totnes and Newton Abbot) 

• 11.45pm 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 £4 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: 

• Armada Way between Princess Street and Guildhall Square car park 10pm – 11pm Wednesday 12 August and Thursday 13 August. 

• Hoe Road between Citadel Mound and Pier Street junction. 3pm-11pm on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August. 

• Madeira Road. 3pm - 11pm Wednesday 12 August and Thursday 13 August. 

• Armada Way Loop between Crowne Plaza and Citadel Road junction. 4pm-11pm. Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August. 

• Osborne Place. 7am-11pm. Wednesday 12 August and Thursday 13 August. 

• Lockyer Street between Citadel Road junction and Notte Street junction. 10pm-11pm. Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August. 

• Notte Street between Millbay Road junction and Hoe approach junction. 10pm-11pm. Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August. 

• Staddon Land between Staddon Heights Golf Club and Jennycliff Lane. 4pm-11pm. Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August. 

• Jennycliff Lane between Staddon Lane juncion and Church Hill Road junction. 4pm-11pm. Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August 

• Lawrence Road. 7am on Wednesday 12 until 12pm on Friday 14 August. 

• Princess Street between Lockyer Street junction and Princess Ope junction. 10-11pm. Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August 

• Tapson Drive. 4pm-11pm. Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August 

• Durwent Close. 4pm-11pm. Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August 

• Cunliffe Avenue. 4pm-11pm. Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August 

Discover further details and advice on our travel information page. 

Water Safety

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 

Partial Solar Eclipse 

A partial solar eclipse will be visible at 7.13pm, a few hours before the British Firework Championships 2026 on Wednesday 12 August ONLY. 

If you choose to view it, please do so safely and never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection. For advice on safe viewing, visit the UK Health Security Agency’s guide: How to watch the solar eclipse safely this summer. 

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 2pm and 11pm on each day beginning on 12 August 2026 and ending on 13 August 2026. 

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 sponsors and partners 

Associated British Ports 

Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest port operator, is a co-sponsor of 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. 

Zero USV 

ZeroUSV are another co-sponsor of this year’s British Firework Championships. 

Zero USV is proud to co-sponsor the British Firework Championships in Plymouth. Zero USV is a collaboration bringing together more than 50 years’ of marine specific design, build, engineering and operational experience into a unique new class of uncrewed surface vessels, with Oceanus12 and Oceanus17 vessels. 

Foster for Plymouth 

Foster for Plymouth are this year’s Young People’s Choice Award Partner. 

Foster for Plymouth is a not-for-profit fostering organisation within Plymouth City Council. It is made up of a dedicated team that goes above and beyond to put children and young people at the heart of everything they do. 

Devon Air Ambulance 

Devon Air Ambulance are this year’s Charity Partner. Devon Air Ambulance is an independent charity providing life-saving, time-critical emergency medical care across Devon and the surrounding areas. Using two air ambulances and a fleet of critical care cars, its specialist crews of pilots, paramedics, and doctors deliver advanced pre-hospital treatment at the scene of serious illness or injury, often in remote or hard-to-reach locations. 

Visit the British Firework Championships webiste for more information about this year's event, or visit the British Firework Championships FAQs for any queries.

For further themed Plymouth inspiration, exclusive offers and things to do in the city, sign up to our free Visit Plymouth e-newsletter.

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