Firework Champions 2015 Eastnor Castle

WHAT: FIREWORK CHAMPIONS 2015 EASTNOR CASTLE
WHERE: EASTNOR CASTLE, LEDBURY, HERTFORDSHIRE
WHEN: SATURDAY 5th SEPTEMBER 2015
WHY: PROFESSIONAL FIREWORK COMPETITION
COST: £17.00 PER ADULT ONLINE – GATE PRICES ARE HIGHER

The FINAL event of its kind during the Summer 2015 in the Midlands and North of England, this one takes place on 5TH September in the grounds of the stunning Eastnor Castle in Ledbury, Hertfordshire.

One of a series of firework competitions which are the brainchild of pyro gods and organisers MLE Pyrotechnics to show the people of the UK the level of professional fireworks operating on a day-to-day basis, and to let those who have never experienced anything more than a few whizzing and popping garden fireworks in the past just what can be achieved.

The beautiful Eastnor Castle is a 19th century mock revival grade I listed building which is the home of the 6th Baron Somers Mr James Hervey Bathurst and his family. The Castle plays home a simply huge collection of exquisite art and antique furnishings.

The competitors are as follows:

PHOENIX FIREWORKS – KENT – 9.30PM

The company has over 40 years experience in the pyrotechnics industry but has been under new management for the last 9-years. The teams are consummate professionals who use bold effects with a brilliant use of colour.

Their back catalogue of achievements is extensive and includes competing in Malta at the international competition in 2012, and being crowned champions at the British Firework Championships in Plymouth in 2009 and lifted the silverware at Eastnor last year. In 2013, whilst they didn’t win the BFC, they did receive a special innovation award for their efforts in the field of advanced pyrotechnics.

The company was responsible for the Sony Bravia advertisement where the colours were bursting off the side of the building.

SHOCKWAVE PYROTECHNICS – REDDITCH – 9.45PM

This is the 5th time the team from Shockwave Pyrotechnics will be competing at one of other of the magnificent Firework Champions events.

The company was established in 2007, but whilst still a young upcoming company, they have an ever-expanding customer base. The family run business is dedicated to creating beautiful, memorable displays. They were lucky enough to life the Firework Champions trophy at Eastnor Castle in 2011 and again at Stanford Hall last year. Having watched last year’s display it was absolutely beautiful with some really pretty criss-cross sections about halfway through which were exceptional and at a nice pace until the finale which was just AWESOME – beautiful fanned rainbows with huge bronze willow bursts to end – WOW

SONNING FIREWORKS – BERKSHIRE – 10:00PM

This Berkshire based company has more than 15 years experience and they are also credited with the creation of firing and design software systems to be used within the pyrotechnics industry. Merlin Fire III and IonFire Music Software are both used widely around the world today.

The team are known for creating displays to appeal to broader audiences including some quieter sections and high colour/high noise as well. Last year at MLE’s Eastnor Castle event, they choreographed to The Muppet Show theme tune which certainly makes a refreshing change from more strains of ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ (again!) but whilst some of the dark sky moments were indicative of a change of theme and therefore a change to the pacing of the fireworks but some were a little too lengthy and a bit of a worry. The quiet part of the display, for the enjoyment of the little ones in attendance was quite enchanting to ‘Olaf’s Song’ from Frozen. The finale was beautiful but the over-run was really obvious and took the sparkle away a little. I sincerely hope that any tech issues are addressed this time around and lets see what they can bring to the table this year.

Once all three teams have shown their talents, it is down to the voting. Whilst they are cast and counted, organisers MLE will be putting on a finale display show to complete the evening’s entertainment.

This is a beautiful family event which is a brilliant opportunity to see some of the UK’s finest battle it out in this friendly ‘fire off’ for a year’s worth of bragging rights. There are lots to do and entertainment for all the family from gates open to the close at around 11.00pm. Once again, there are of course concessions available but this needn’t be an expensive event. Pack your picnic, throw the blankets and chairs into the boot and get over there.