UK Triumphs at 2024 International Fireworks Championship

If you think fireworks are just a few pops and bangs on Bonfire Night, think again. The 2024 International Fireworks Championship was an all-out battle of pyrotechnic prowess, with teams from around the world competing to set the night sky ablaze—and our very own Team UK came out on top!

The event, held over two nights, saw teams from Australia, the Philippines, India, Finland, the USA, and the UK duke it out in a dazzling display of skill, timing, and more explosions than you could shake a sparkler at. Each team had just 12 minutes to light up the sky with a choreographed display set to music, all while following a strict set of guidelines. It wasn’t just about who could blow up the most stuff the quickest—this was serious artistry.

The Big Winners

The Judges' Choice award—the top honour of the event—went to none other than Team UK, aka the pyrotechnic wizards from SelStar Fireworks. Their display was a masterclass in firework choreography and left both the crowd and the expert panel of judges utterly gobsmacked. SelStar has a history of pulling off jaw-dropping shows, and this time was no different. As Company Director Stephen Harriott put it, "We are ecstatic to win this competition." And let’s face it, when you’ve got thousands of people staring at the sky with their mouths open, you’ve done a good job.

Designing a show like that takes some serious planning. According to Azan Morani from Team India "It takes about 2 hours for every minute in the sky and it's about 10 to 12 minutes so you can do the math."

The Competition Heats Up

Of course, Team UK wasn’t the only one bringing their A-game. Team Finland took home the Best of Show award on Friday night, wowing the crowd with a techno-infused finale that left everyone buzzing.

On Saturday, it was Team India who stole the audience’s hearts with a Bollywood-inspired spectacle, winning them the second Best of Show trophy.

But despite the crowd favourites, it was the UK who took home the ultimate prize from the panel of expert pyrotechnic judges. So while Finland and India had their moments, the Brits took the grand prize—and no doubt celebrated with a cheeky pint afterwards.

What Makes This Event So Special?

The International Fireworks Championship is no ordinary firework show. Now in its second year, this event is fast becoming a must-see spectacle, attracting over 13,000 spectators. Turtle Creek Stadium played host to six of the best pyrotechnic teams in the world, each one having earned their spot by winning previous competitions. It’s like the Champions League of fireworks—only with more explosions and less diving.

Each team had 12 minutes to wow the judges and the crowd with their pyro-synced-to-music displays. And it wasn’t just about how many fireworks they could let off—the judges were looking for creativity, synchronisation, and the overall “wow factor” (though the amount of firepower definitely helped!).

In between each show, the skies were given a breather (and the crowd a chance to grab another drink), with roughly 15-minute gaps to let the smoke clear and for the next team to set up.

SelStar Fireworks: A Bit of History

SelStar Fireworks aren’t exactly strangers to the winners' podium. This Sussex-based team has been lighting up skies for nearly 30 years and has a trophy cabinet to prove it.

They’ve taken top honours at events all over the world, including PyroJam in the USA and Firework Champions at Belvoir Castle. Whether it’s a small private party or a massive public display, they’ve done it all—and done it well.

Their recent win at the 2024 International Fireworks Championship is just another feather in the cap for this talented team. And given how many hours they pour into designing these displays, it’s well deserved.

So, there you have it—Team UK has proven once again that when it comes to fireworks, they’re second to none. The 2024 International Fireworks Championship was a brilliant showcase of pyrotechnic talent from across the globe, but in the end, it was the Brits who lit up the night (sorry, couldn't resist). If you missed it this year, make sure you mark your calendar for next year’s event—you won’t want to miss it.

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