Where: Plymouth, Devon
£: Free
What is it?
The British Firework Championships 2014 take place in Plymouth on 12th and 13th August. The championships have been taking place annually since 1997 as a way of allowing professionals to display their pyrotechnic skills.
Each year six professional display companies are selected, by draw, to take part in the championships. There will be three teams taking part each evening and the fireworks are start at around 9.30pm on each night, depending on how dark it is. Each of the three displays will last around 10 minutes, with a 10 minute gap between each display.
The displays are fired from the Mountbatten breakwater and can be seen from the Citadel and the Hoe. Visitors usually gather on the Hoe and along Madeira Road from early evening to enjoy views over Plymouth Sound. So those wishing to get a good spot for the fireworks should aim to get there early. Other good viewing areas include The Queen Anne’s Battery, which overlooks the firing site, and around the Mountbatten pub, although viewing here is side-on. Behind Mountbatten, in the Jennycliff area is another popular viewing spot.
Other entertainment on the Hoe during both evenings includes a fun fair and a live music stage. Food and drink is also provided on the Hoe and along Madeira Road.
More info: www.britishfireworks.co.uk/bang