Farting Fireworks: The Weirdest Noises Fireworks Make (And Why)
If you’ve ever stood in a field watching a fireworks display and thought, “That one sounded a bit odd,” you’re not alone. Fireworks can produce an entire orchestra of unusual noises — on purpose and sometimes completely by accident. And thanks to TikTok, we now have a perfect example of the latter.
In early November, spectators in East London noticed something strange. Every time a firework went off nearby, the iconic Olympic Velodrome replied with an echo that sounded… suspiciously like a massive fart.
Not an echo. Not a rumble. A comedy-worthy, unmistakable parp - see the video further down this article.
Social media had a field day. Comments ranged from “God forbid the Velodrome has an upset tummy” to “Velodrome is an IBS girly,” which might be the most 2025 sentence imaginable.
As it turns out, the building isn’t actually passing wind — its timber ventilation gaps and curved structure are bouncing the sound waves of nearby fireworks in odd ways. As Lee Valley VeloPark put it, the building “might be reacting with a little sound quirk rather than an echo.”
Translation: your tax money helped build the world’s largest whoopee cushion.
And if anything, the Velodrome’s new party trick is a great reminder that fireworks don’t just look spectacular — they sound weirdly wonderful too.
Below, we’re breaking down the unusual noises fireworks make, why they happen, and which of our fireworks produce them. Consider it your crash course in Firework Sound Effects 101.
How Fireworks Make Noise (The Quick Version)
A firework’s noise is shaped by three main things:
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The shape and size of its tubes
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The chemicals used inside
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How the burning composition moves through the tube
Fireworks don’t have speakers — all their noise is produced naturally by chemistry, pressure and physics.
Now let’s explore the weird stuff.
The Most Unusual Firework Noises (and the Science Behind Them)
Whistles
What they sound like: A rising or falling whooooOOOOOOPPP
How they’re made: A whistle effect happens when gas escapes rapidly through a narrow tube, creating vibrations similar to blowing across a bottle — but at several thousand degrees. Add burn-rate modifiers, and you can tune the pitch.
We sell fireworks with whistle effects including:
Crackles
What they sound like: A bag of popcorn having an emotional breakdown
How they’re made: Crackle stars contain compounds (usually titanium or bismuth) that ignite in rapid micro-explosions. Each tiny pop is its own combustion event — hundreds happening at once creates the iconic crackle.
Crackling options we sell:
Hummers
What they sound like: Angry bees with questionable intentions
How they’re made: A hummer effect uses tiny cylindrical pellets with off-centre exhausts. As they spin through the air, they vibrate and “hum” like miniature engines.
We stock various humming fireworks including:
- Humming Hornets 28 Shot – Again, it does what it says on the tin aka box
- Crazy Days 25 Shot – has wriggling stars and humming whistles
Screamers
What they sound like: A kettle, a banshee, and a smoke alarm having a group argument
How they’re made: Screamers use high-pressure whistles tuned to a sharp pitch, sometimes layered to create oscillation (that wobbling, warbling scream). They’re not for shy neighbours.
Screaming fireworks you’ll love:
Fizzers
What they sound like: Opening a can of fizzy drink the morning after a night out
How they’re made: Fountains and mines with metal flitter particles create fizzing audio as molten droplets burn out mid-air. Lower pressure = softer fizz.
Fizz-heavy firework options:
Dragon Eggs
What they sound like: Soft crackles that suddenly “pop!” like miniature firecrackers
How they’re made: Dragon eggs use delayed-reaction compounds that burn silently, then explode with a sharp pop a second later. They’re a classic finale sound.
We stock plenty of Dragon Egg fireworks:
The Fart Noise (Yes, the Velodrome One)
So where does our headline act fit in?
A “fart” noise isn’t actually a firework effect. It’s an echo effect — specifically, a low-frequency resonance caused when a concave or vented structure reflects a firework’s initial burst.
Buildings that can make this happen:
• stadiums
• covered stands
• tunnels
• timber-panelled curved structures (hello, Velodrome)
In London’s case, the curved timber vents and open gaps acted like a giant resonator. Instead of echoing the pop faithfully, the building stretched the sound, flattening the lower frequencies and turning them into a very dignified “BRAAAP.”
Accidental. But iconic.
Which Noises Are Best for Low-Noise Displays?
If you're trying to avoid upsetting neighbours, pets or livestock, the quietest sound effects are crackles, hummers and fizzers.
And yes — we’ve got a whole range of low-noise, quiet fireworks for you to choose from.
Which Noises Are Best for Big, Loud Celebrations?
If you want maximum drama then you want to go for whistles, dragon eggs and screamers.
And just like quiet fireworks, we have a huge range of loud firework options for you to fill the sky with.
FAQs About Firework Noises
Why do some fireworks whistle?
Because their tubes are designed to burn unevenly. Expanding gases vibrate inside the tube, creating the whistle tone.
What are “dragon eggs” in fireworks?
They’re small pellets that pop and crackle due to bismuth trioxide inside. When they heat up, they explode into dozens of tiny micro-crackles.
Why do some fireworks make a humming or buzzing noise?
Hummers use small spinning tubes that rotate rapidly, vibrating to produce a humming or buzzing tone.
Are low-noise fireworks completely silent?
No — they’re “low noise,” not “no noise.” You’ll still hear whooshes, soft pops or fizzing, but nothing like a full-throttle rocket burst.
What causes the London Velodrome “farting” noise?
The building’s curved shape and timber ventilation gaps distorted nearby firework echoes, creating a stretched, low-frequency “parp” sound.
Can I choose fireworks based on their noise levels?
Absolutely. Every product on our website lists a noise rating, from quiet fountains (1–2/10) to full-volume rockets (10/10).
Why do some fireworks make strange noises?
Because they’re engineered to. Different tube shapes, star compositions and burn speeds produce whistles, crackles, hums, hisses and pops.
Are noisy fireworks always louder?
No. Many odd noises — like hummers or spinners — are surprisingly quiet. Loudness depends on the lift charge and burst pressure, not the sound effect.
Why do buildings sometimes echo fireworks strangely?
Large structures can reflect and distort sound waves, creating odd resonances. The Velodrome “farting” is a perfect example.
What’s the quietest type of firework?
Fountains, comets and crossettes. They rely on visual burn effects rather than explosive bursts.
Want to Hear These Sound Effects in Your Own Display?
We stock the UK’s biggest range of consumer fireworks — including low-noise, high-noise and everything in between. If you want whistles, hummers, crackles or elegant quiet fireworks, we’ve got it ready to go.
Shop the full Epic Fireworks range and build a display that sounds as good as it looks.
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