FIREWORK CHAMPIONS 2019 BELVOIR CASTLE

EVENT CANCELED - BREAKING NEWS - UPDATED SATURDAY 10TH AUGUST 13:57

WHAT: FIREWORK CHAMPIONS - BELVOIR CASTLE
WHY: FIREWORK COMPETITION
WHERE: BELVOIR CASTLE, LEICESTERSHIRE
WHEN: 10TH AUGUST 2019
COST: SEE THE FIREWORK CHAMPIONS WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS

This stunning castle has been the ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland for approaching a thousand years.

The current fortified castle overlooks 3 counties and the land was gifted to the family by William the Conqueror after the Battle of Hastings in 1067 to the current Dukes ancestor Robert de Todeni who was his standard-bearer during the Battle of 1066. Over the coming years, thanks to the Wars of the Roses, various other battles and so on and it was more or less rubble by the middle of the 15^th century so a second structure was built but again, the warring factions of the royalists and the parliamentarians put paid to that structure too and destroyed it yet again. Another was built but this time it was more of a country house design and although once again much was irreparably damaged, there still exists a model of the third castle in the ballroom of the existing castle.

The fourth and final rebuild has had more than its fair share of damage too though following from completion in the early 19^th century but there was a devastating fire which destroyed several priceless works of art by Titian, Reubens and Van Dyck.

The name Belvoir means ‘beautiful view’ and is now home to the 11^th Duke of Rutland and his family.

Firework Champions has taken place in the grounds of Belvoir for a number of years and attracts hundreds of visitors to the grounds of this stunning regency castle.

You can either take along your own chairs and picnic blankets and food or even book a hamper in advance which vary in price depending on if you want Prosecco or Moet et Chandon with your picnic and it includes finger sandwiches, homemade scotch egg and dressed salad, etc with delicious fresh scones, preserves and clotted cream (don’t mind if I do!).

Competing this year are teams from both the UK and China.

First to the plate Pyrotex Fireworx from Burton on Trent. This team are award winners around the world and in 2018 they won both Pyromagic in Poland and the 9^th International Pyromusical Competition Grand Champions in the Philippines. Already this year they have two impressive wins under their belts including Courcheval in the French Alps (in the snow!) and 1^st place again in the Philippines at the 10^th running of the International Pyromusical event. They are admired amongst the pyro community for both their pyrotechnical ability, precision, and professionalism. Certain to create a very symmetrical display, this is definitely the team to watch.

Next up, Starlight Fireworks from the home of fireworks; Liuyang, China. Since 2001 they have been producers, retailers, and display specialists and they create some incredible shells using age-old Japanese craft. They have also been part of the team creating shows for the International Firework Festival, Taipei 101 for New Year's Eve and the Winter Olympics in Korea in 2017. An unknown quantity in regard to what to expect, so this team are sure to bring something special to proceedings.

Final competitors will be Flashpoint Fireworks who won Firework Champions events at Belvoir Castle in 2018, Eastnor Castle in 2009 and were also crowned British Musical Firework Champions. This team always use a great mix of colour and effects and regularly carry out work for blue-chip companies.

Each team is tasked with firing against each other before the audience chooses their favourite. Whilst the votes are cast and counted, organisers of this brilliant event are MLE Pyrotechnics treat the crowds to a finale display.

A great evening out for the whole family and if you book early there is a reduction on the price.