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We hope you enjoy the evening’s entertainment!
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Introduction W
elcome to Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City for what we expect to be one the UK’s best firework displays in 2017. We’re delighted to host the British Firework Championships which is now in its 22nd year and to welcome six of Britain’s most talented pyrotechnic companies who will be competing to be crowned British Firework Champions 2017. We’re hugely proud to be involved in such a huge event which attracts thousands of visitors to Plymouth from all over the country to explore and enjoy our wonderful city. As anyone who’s ever stood on Plymouth Hoe gazing at the spectacular displays will know, Plymouth’s stunning and historic waterfront provides the perfect backdrop for this exciting and glittering two day showdown. And with music and fun from Heart Radio and plenty of food and fairground rides, this much-loved event provides great entertainment - and it really is the must-see family event of the Summer. As always we would like to thank The Event Services Association (TESA) for their continued partnership. We wish you a warm welcome to our brilliant City and a truly memorable competition. Councillor Wendy Foster Lord Mayor of Plymouth
For more information about what’s on in Plymouth • • •
Head Online to visitplymouth.co.uk Find us on Facebook.com/WhatsOnPlymouth Follow us on Twitter.com/VisitPlymouth
Fireworks THE MAGAZINE READ BY FIREWORK ENTHUSIASTS FOR OVER 36 YEARS Printed & electronic versions * Practical information *History *Colour pictures of old fireworks
- buy with credit card at www.fireworks-mag.org Fireworks PO Box 40, Bexhill, TN40 1GX
About the British Firework Championships W
elcome to the 22nd Annual British Firework Championships here in the great city of Plymouth. The Championships have been run here every year since they started in 1996 and give a fantastic display with six of the finest pyrotechnic display teams giving us a spectacular show. This year is set to be another classic with Dragon Fireworks, AJ Pyrotechnics, The UK Firework & Events Co., Smart Pyrotechnics, Nemisis Pyrotechnics and Selstar Fireworks all vying to be crowned British Firework Champions 2017. If the weather is good, we’ll be joined by some 100,000 people across the two nights with more watching highlights on TV. In the firework industry, the British
@BritishFirework Firework Championships are now firmly established as the leading national competition where companies can demonstrate their skills and showcase all the latest fireworks available. In the south west, the event is now a firm favorite in the summer and is the largest free to enter public event. Huge thanks to all the event sponsors who’ve given their support. The event, which is organised every year by The Event Services Association, the trade body for the events industry in the UK, is run in partnership with Plymouth City Council. All you have to do is enjoy the funfair, food and find yourself a spot anywhere on the Hoe or along the coast road to marvel at the six incredible displays.
Stay safe and have a great time!
©DeborahKr/bigstockphoto.com
DC8
Make the bright move...
...dance in the Sun
drakecircus.com
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What is TESA?
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he British Firework Championships is owned by The Event Services Association (TESA) and has been run, in partnership with Plymouth City Council, since 1996. TESA was launched in May 1990 and represents organisers, promoters and suppliers involved in the event industry throughout the UK. The Association was originally established to promote good practice in the industry as well as to provide a focal point for information. However, it also recognises the need to support its members by promoting their businesses and interests. 6
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Once again, HEART FM will be showcasing local talent onstage on The Hoe.
TESA has strong links with other trade bodies in the event industry with whom it works from time-to-time. This has most recently been evident in the online publication of The Purple Guide which is regarded as the Bible for every aspect of event organising. For more information go to www.thepurpleguide.co.uk For more information about TESA please contact Kevin Minton on 01291 636335 or email kevin@jandmgroup.co.uk
How is it going to work? This is the 22nd running of the British Firework Championships here in Plymouth. This has been seen by millions of people over the years and we’re anticipating over a hundred thousand people to watch it live each night this year and many more watching all the TV broadcasts.
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tarting at 9:30pm (as soon as it is dark enough) there will be three 10 minute displays fired from the Mountbatten breakwater. Each display will use up to 550kg Net Explosive Mass (NEM) of fireworks. That’s over three tonnes of pure explosions – plus all the rigging, stands, wiring and safety gear – we’re talking tonnes of kit! Because we’re firing from the breakwater, you can take a stroll, enjoy the funfair, all the catering on offer and the Heart FM music stage before finding a spot anywhere on the Hoe and coast road to enjoy a great view of the displays. In addition, you can join in with the excitement on social media. Tweet us @BritishFirework and send us your pictures. Where are you watching from? Who are you with? Tweet us and we’ll give you a shout out and we might even post your pictures on the official website www.britishfireworks.co.uk
The Judging The Championships are judged by a panel of expert, and local judges, under the guidance of the competition adjudicator CarnDu Ltd. and organisers The Event Services Association. The local judges are asked to judge the displays on four different aspects and these are the questions they will be asking themselves: 1.
The variety of fireworks and sequences used: Was there enough variety in the different effects and did the way they worked together impress you?
2. Rhythm of the Display: Did the flow of the display work to hold your attention and did it run smoothly?
The Start
3. Use of Colour: Was the use of colour in the display effective in grabbing your attention and adding to the quality level of the show? 4. Overall Impression: What was your overall impression of the Wow factor of the show in its entirety? In the meantime, the expert panel will be asked to judge the technical aspects of each display based on four key aspects: 1.
The quality of the show design and performance
2. Compliance with firing brief 3. Symmetry, patterns and timing of the display 4. Overall Artistic Impression of the display
You will know when each display is about to start because the team will fire three maroons. They will also mark the end of their display with another three maroons. The British Firework Championships 2017
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Thank you for supporting
Parkinson’s UK Thank you! By buying this programme you have supported local people with Parkinson’s, their families and carers. All funds raised at this event will help people with Parkinson’s here in the South West.
This is the seventh year of Parkinson’s UK’s association with the British Firework Championships and we’re very grateful for the support we’ve received from everyone over those years. Thank you to The Event Services Association, to all of our fantastic volunteers and to everyone who has purchased programmes, supporting our work in the South West. Every hour someone in the UK is told they have Parkinson’s. Because we’re here, no one faces Parkinson’s alone. We bring people with Parkinson’s, their carers and families together via our network of local groups, our website and free confidential helpline. As the UK’s Parkinson’s support and research charity we’re leading the way to find a cure. We also campaign to change attitudes and demand better services. Our work is totally dependent on donations. Help us find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s UK in Plymouth
Our Plymouth and District Branch welcomes visitors to its meeting at Emmanuel Church Hall, Compton Avenue, Mannamead, Plymouth on the second Tuesday of every month at 2.30pm.
If you would like to volunteer for Parkinson’s UK please email:
mrimell@parkinsons.org.uk
Parkinson’s UK is the operating name of the Parkinson’s Disease Society of the United Kingdom. A company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales (00948776). Registered Office: 215 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 1EJA. A charity registered in England and Wales (258197) and in Scotland (SC037554).
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CS2758
CANONTEIGN FALLS ABSEIl 9am, Sunday 24 September 2017 Dartmoor National Park
Take the plunge and abseil 220ft down England's highest waterfall to help us find a cure for Parkinson’s.
020 7963 3912 parkinsons.org.uk/abseilcanonteign Parkinson’s UK is the operating name of the Parkinson’s Disease Society of the United Kingdom. A charity registered in England and Wales (258197) and in Scotland (SC037554). © Parkinson’s UK 05/17 (CS2758)
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Geek Speak
For more fun facts about fireworks, head over to www.britishfireworks.co.uk to view our infographic.
Maroon These are huge bangs. Three will be fired to signify the start of each display. If you’re old enough to listen to Radio 4, these maroons are like the pips at the start of the hour.
Stars
Mortar
The pyrotechnic compounds that creates the colours and effects. They are spheres, cubes or cylinders about the size of a pea to a tennis ball.
The cylinder chamber made of plastic, cardboard or metal used to fire shells into the air. It is like a short pipe which contains the shell.
Fuse
NEM
(Net Explosive Mass) The weight of the actual material that explodes to either propel the firework into the air or to give the bang or to give the visual display. Mortar tubes, the rigging and everything else is separate.
Bursting Charge Inside the middle of the shell. The charge both ignites the outsides of the stars, which burn with showers of sparks and bursts the shell to produce a spectacular spread.
Firing The official word for the start of a display. We do not “let one off ” - that has rather stinky connotations! 10
The British Firework Championships 2017
Allows a time delay for the explosion.
Shell
A hollow sphere made of pasted paper and string. The shell is made in two halves and packed with a bursting charge and stars before being assembled with a lifting charge (to send it skywards) of gunpowder and a fuse.
Win £500 worth of Fireworks
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his is the 22nd year of the British Firework Championships and to mark this great occasion we have organised a Championship Draw with a superb prize of £500 worth of Fireworks to be won. The prize has kindly been donated by Epic Fireworks. The winner will receive £500 worth of Epic Fireworks, designed to be used in a private display. About the Sponsor Epic Fireworks is the UK’s biggest online fireworks supplier and is based in Sheffield.
For more information about Epic Fireworks please visit: www.epicfireworks.com
How to Enter All you have to do to take part is visit www.britishfireworks.co.uk and answer three simple questions. All correct entries will go into a draw and the winner will be picked on 21st August 2017. Full competition rules at www.britishfireworks.co.uk
epic
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Where fireworks all began It’ll come as no surprise to anyone that it was all started in China about 2,000 years ago. When we in the UK were all living in crude dwellings and being persecuted by the Romans, someone in China was performing experiments.
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lthough it is not recorded who made the first batch of what is now known as gunpowder, the legacy of his or her work lives on. It is thought that the first batch was made accidentally by mixing together three common ingredients and setting them on fire. People began to cram the ‘Huo Yao’ (‘Fire Chemical’) into the hollow tubes of bamboo and standing them up in a fire and created the first fire crackers. These detonated with a loud bang and bright explosion which were thought to be enough to ward off evil spirits. Hence they were used at weddings and other celebrations to create good luck. An English scholar Roger Bacon was among the first Europeans to study gunpowder in the 13th Century. Cleverly, he realised it would be used in weapon so to avoid enemies of the state getting the secrets, he wrote his report in code. It took ages to figure out his code, though and the current gunpowder formula was established in 1560 - it’s made from 75 % Saltpetre, 10% Sulphur and 15% charcoal.
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The British Firework Championships 2017
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Falcon flies times a day to Plymouth, Exeter, Taunton, Bristol Airport & City Centre
All information correct as of June 2017, liable to change without further notice.
@flyswfalcon
Official Running Order
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Dragon Fireworks
Wednesday 9th August
21:30
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ragon Fireworks is a leading fireworks display company based in Surrey. We are passionate about designing spectacular displays and shows with a unique flair to entertain all our audiences from intimate private events to large council sponsored displays. We have a hard-earned and enviable reputation with over twenty five years’ experience as a provider of innovative and inspirational shows full of drama and emotion. Our clients include Silverstone Grand Prix Circuits, HMS Warrior, Microsoft, Sunningdale Golf Club and a number of high profile private events, including a party for Ringo Starr. We pride ourselves in the creativity, dedication and hard work that go into the development and production of all our events. We also specialise in producing displays to music. As a major fireworks retailer we are part of the Celtic Buying group also supplying brands such as Brothers and Kimbolton Fireworks. Dragon Fireworks is part of the Wey Farm Group with shops and offices set in over fifty acres of beautiful rolling Surrey countryside. We are located close to Woking and only minutes from Britain’s main arterial road network. We are pleased to have been invited to compete in the British Fireworks Championships in Plymouth and look forward to wowing the crowds with what we hope will be a memorable and entertaining show.
Wey Farm, Guildford Road Ottershaw, Surrey KT16 0QW Contact: Noah Le Mare Tel: 01932 872424 Mobile: 07540 636289 info@dragonfireworks.co.uk www.dragonfireworks.co.uk
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AJ Pyrotechnics
Wednesday 9th August
21:50
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J Pyrotechnics is a professional fireworks company based in Folkestone, Kent. We provide professional firework displays and sell retail fireworks, all year round to the public via our Folkestone firework shop. All our retail fireworks have been tested, assessed and compared against other brands and we believe deliver top quality effects and best value for money. We are able to give helpful, technical and professional advice and are passionate about our products and customer service and are probably one of the largest retailers of fireworks in Kent. We pride ourselves on the bespoke designed effects and material in our high impact displays and won’t offer you cheaper, lengthy displays with little content which leaves you disappointed! All our prices include our travel, full venue site risk assessment, product and public liability insurance and clear up. We can tailor our displays to any specific requirements you may have, this can include coordinating colour schemes, special material (hearts), low noise and firework writing. Wedding displays are our speciality and feel extremely privileged to be part of your special day. Health and safety is our main priority and we are proud of our long established reputation. This is reflected by our continued recommendations and repeat bookings. For any firework requirement, you can trust us to light up your night!
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Unit 7, Kingsmead Park Farm Industrial Estate, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 5EU Contact: Adrian Walters Tel: 01303 867011 Mobile: 07826 658996 / 07733159499 enquiries@ajpyrotechnics.co.uk www.ajpyrotechnics.co.uk
Memorable Professional
Firework Displays
Weddings | Bonfire Night | All Year Celebrations | Retail Fireworks
Let AJ Pyrotechnics light up your night! We offer professional, bespoke designed, fully insured, high impact firework displays. We pride ourselves on the content, design and value for money that all our displays deliver. We have one of the largest dedicated, all year round retail firework shops in the South East.
E-mail: enquiries@ajpyrotechnics.co.uk Telephone: 01303 867011 Mobile: 07826 658996
AJ Pyrotechnics Ltd Unit 7, Kingsmead Park Farm Industrial Estate Folkestone Kent CT19 5EU
Visit our website: www.ajpyrotechnics.co.uk
The UK Firework Company
Wednesday 9th August
22:10
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e are The UK Firework Company. Founded in 2009 by our Director, Andy Foley, we have grown year on year to become one of the largest UK firework display companies, based on the number of displays we produce each year. We offer a wide range of services for all occasions including: bespoke firework displays, special effects, bonfires, fire writing, fire sculptures, pyrotechnics, flames, confetti and much more. Operating nationwide from three strategically placed offices, we have a great bunch of passionate and talented individuals working collaboratively to produce an explosion (literally!) of creativity. Some of our clients have included: Latitude Festival, Coca Cola, Genting International Casino, Oxford and Cambridge University, pyrotechnic shows inside Wembley Arena, musical acts such as Marillion and Fifth Harmony, and not forgetting a celebrity wedding or two! Our goal is to enhance your events, whether that be for a few minutes at the end of your wedding amongst your closest family and friends or surrounded by thousands of people at a festival or bonfire night display.
The UK Firework Company 1st Floor, 2 Woodberry Grove North Finchley, London, N12 0DR Contact: Andy Foley Tel: 0808 281 0115 info@theukfireworkcompany.co.uk www.theukfireworkcompany.co.uk
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All our displays are purpose built to exceed your exact standards and expectations. We love what we do and strive to impress. So, we hope you love what we do too! This is our first time competing at Plymouth and we are delighted to be taking part. From all the team here at The UK Firework Company, we wish the other competitors the best of luck and hope that the audience will enjoy our spectacular display.
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Spectacular firework displays for all occasions
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w: www.theukfireworkcompany.co.uk e: info@theukfireworkcompany.co.uk
t: 0808 281 0115
The UK Firework Company is a trading name of The UK Firework and Events Co. Ltd
The UK Firework and Events Co. Ltd, 1st Floor, 2 Woodberry Grove, North Finchley, London, N12 0DR
Follow us:
TheUKFireworkCo
theukfireworkcompany
theukfireworkcompany
Smart Pyrotechnics
Thursday 10th August
21:30
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mart Pyrotechnics is a United Kingdom based company formed in 2007 by Steve Martin 2017 is the 10th anniversary of our company which makes SmartPyro still a relatively new company in the world of fireworks however SmartPyro is all about delivering spectacular shows around the world where people will enjoy experiencing our performance’s and remember our shows for the innovative designs and creative sequences that are fresh and vibrant as we strive to deliver shows that have our own touch of uniqueness…. ‘innovate not imitate’ has always been our company moto. We have delivered spectacular shows around the world including Thailand, Philippines, France and Italy winning various awards along the way but more importantly gaining the experience of working with different people and cultures. For designing our show visualisation, we utilise the ShowSim 3D software to plan and design every aspect of our concept and performance and then deliver the show using the FireOne digital shooting system from the USA. Where possible we will use the PyroQuip mortar rack system, guaranteeing safety and versatility in our show setups.
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Smart-DTF Group Building High Street, Great Cheverell Devizes, Wilts, SN10 5XZ Contact: Steve Martin Tel: 07515 851703 Display Sales: 07948 619954 displays@smartpyro.co.uk www.smartpyro.co.uk
Recent Competitions & Festivals 2017: Pyro Power International Fireworks Festival Latvia – 2nd Place 2017: Courchevel Festival International D’Art Pyrotechique ‘Champions Edition’ – Prix du Public 2016: Forti de Marmi International Fireworks Championship – Bronze Award 2015: British Musical Fireworks Championship – Gold Award Public 2014: Courchevel Festival International D’Art Pyrotechique – Gold Award 2014: British Musical Fireworks Championship – Gold Award Jury 2012: Philippines International Pyro-Musical Competition
Nemisis Pyrotechnics
Thursday 10th August
21:50
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emisis Pyrotechnics Limited Professional Fireworks Displays & Retail has been designing and firing professional displays for over 19 years. We are based in Cheshire, with fully trained and insured firing teams located across the length and breadth of the UK and Northern Ireland. With experienced teams specialising in every aspect of pyrotechnic displays from roof tops through to river and sea barge based displays and traditional park and arena venues, for all types of occasions from carnivals, switch ons, corporate, summer events, weddings, Bonfire night, reenactments and New Years Eve. Nemisis was born out of a love of fireworks and all of the team who work here feel like it’s more of a passion than a job. The company have delivered literally thousands of displays to many spectators and have a long list of satisfied customers. We have a simple aim to deliver the BEST fireworks and firework displays at the BEST possible price. We don’t skimp on quality for the sake of profit; our fulfilment comes from the happiness of our clients. The Nemisis team boasts some of the country’s leading pyrotechnicians with extensive experience. All our display teams are fully trained to the highest professional level, have experience in firing shows from parks, building roof tops, coastal, sea and
227A Nantwich Road Crewe, Cheshire, CW2 6BY Contact: Steve Cleaver Tel: 01270 842700 Mobile: 07523 166735 nemisisfireworksuk@googlemail.com www.fireworkuk.co.uk river barges along with halls hotels and private venues. Each show has a team leader, who will have fired a minimum of fifty displays, they will arrange for comprehensive risk assessments, liaise with the organizer or venue management, and the whole display is covered by ten million pounds public liability cover. Here at Nemisis we have the ability to provide a vast number of large scale events on one night, whilst creating and providing a service of such high standards. We work closely with the client in any event, from start to finish answering all questions asked. Nemisis prides itself in creating impacting Firework Shows!!
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Selstar Fireworks
Thursday 10th August
22:10
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elstar Fireworks Ltd are proud to be competing in The British Fireworks Championships for the 5th time and are extremely excited to be putting on a display for the thousands of spectators. Having started over 25 years ago the company has developed a high level in creativity and professionalism enabling us to create unique firework displays for each individual client. Having one of the most advanced firing systems in the world and state of the art equipment enables us deliver all types of displays whilst keeping our excellent safety record. Our aim is to entertain you using a vast selection of effects and products sourced from around the world fired with rhythm and patterns to bring the sky to life. The team looks forward to seeing everyone there for two days of amazing displays.
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Selsey, Chichester, West Sussex, 19 West Street, PO20 9AA Contact: Steve Harriott Tel: 01243 606777 Mobile: 07881 652474 info@selstarfireworks.co.uk www.selstarfireworks.co.uk
Wishing all this year’s competitors good luck
E-Mail: info@selstarfireworks.co.uk Tel: 01243 606777
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