ROUND UP OF FIREWORK EVENTS THIS WEEKEND

As Summer comes to a close and the leaves begin to fall, it is one of the best indicators that Bonfire Night is just around the corner. But, for some, firework season cannot come soon enough. So, for those of you desperate for a firework fix before BFN, here is a list of some of the events happening both here in the UK featuring fireworks and some overseas.

First up, is the penultimate competition in the Firework Champions events run by MLE Pyrotechnics for this season against the backdrop of the stunning Eastnor Castle with a deer park, arboretum and lake nestled in the Malvern Hills, it is a lovely place to spend an evening with the family. Competing are F1 Pyro who won the British Musical Firework Championships in 2015, Two Tigers Fireworks who have not competed for 10 years and finally, Flashpoint Fireworks who won previously at Eastnor Castle in 2009. Once the three teams have completed their display, the organisers, MLE, will take to the skies whilst the votes are cast and counted and finally, the winner will be announced.

Next up is one of the biggest individual competitions in the UK, taking part at Catton Hall is the Festival of Fireworks event; hosted by Jubilee Fireworks. Competing will be Slovenia based company Hamex Pyrotehnika, Alchemy Fireworks from Bedfordshire and Chichester based Selstar Fireworks. This event has been taking place since 2002. Once the three teams have completed their display, the organisers Jubilee Fireworks will show their expertise. Jubilee were recipients of the Gold Jupiter award in 2015 for their magnificent display at the Montreal Firework Festival which is one of the highest accolades in the industry.

Then we travel a little further North for the End of Summer BBQ and Firework event at The Priest House, Kings Mill, Donnington. There will be live music, delicious local food and of course fireworks. The event is on from 3pm – 8pm and the fee is payable on the gate.

The fireworks will be the finale for the event and they will be fired over the River Trent.

Finally, up in North Ayrshire, the Largs Viking Festival is taking place. The area is known for a battle which took place in the mid 13th century when King Alexander III beat off the Norse King Haakon who later died on the Orkney Isles. The event celebrates the Viking heritage, how they lived, the food they ate, the weapons and the clothing and jewellery of the time. The event is free and will be supported by local radio, street performers, aerobatic displays (including the Lancaster Bomber) and of course fireworks.

Internationally, there are a couple of events taking place. The first is over in Macao, a dependent territory of China. This International Firework event kicks off on 3rd September 2016 and will run until their National Day on 1st October 2016. First to compete on Saturday are teams from Thailand (Thailand Fireworks) and Portugal (Macedos Pirotecnia).

Finally, over in Hannover, Germany, the penultimate event takes place with the team representing Belgium, HC Pyrotechnics. This is held in the stunning Royal Gardens at Herrenhausen before a capacity crowd. HC Pyrotechnics had wins in competitions at Pyromagic in 2014 and Monaco in 2015 so they are indeed a force to be reckoned with.

Good luck to all the pro teams this weekend whether in competition or doing your ‘day job’. If you do get along to any functions with fireworks, let us have your pics and we'll feature them on our website.