The world famous British Firework Championships is set to return to Plymouth's waterfront on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 August 2021, and will be dedicated to those who lost their lives so tragically in Keyham.

And in a special tribute to the victims, Maxine Davison, Sophie Martyn, Lee Martyn, Stephen Washington and Kate Shepherd, five heart-shaped fireworks will be set off at 9.15pm on Wednesday and Thursday evening.

Everyone in attendance is invited to shine a light from their phones during the one-minute silence that will be held before the five individual fireworks are launched to signify each life lost during the recent tragic event in Keyham.

This will be followed by a minute-long round of applause in memory of Maxine, Sophie, Lee, Stephen and Kate to celebrate their lives.

There will also be opportunities for visitors to make a donation to support the families and communities affected.

If you're planning on coming to this year's Competition, then here’s everything you need to know:

Where and when is the event?

The championships take place on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 August 2021, with the fireworks being set off from Mount Batten pier from 9.30pm. The best viewing point is Plymouth Hoe, however the displays are visible from all around the waterfront and other top spots include Jennycliff and Devil’s Point.

There’s activity to enjoy on Plymouth Hoe from 2pm each day, including catering stands and fairground rides.

Live entertainment will begin on stage (located on the grass at the east end of the Hoe) at 6pm, which includes DJs, live music and dance and commentary during the displays (more details on this below).

The firework displays will begin at 9.30pm each day, with three teams putting on a 10-minute display each evening. There’s approximately a ten minute gap between each display.

New for this year, if you can't make it to the event, you can join us virtually as we'll be live streaming the event from 9am both nights on our YouTube channel. 

Who are the competitors?

On Wednesday 18 August, the three teams are: Skyburst The Firework Co, Phoenix Fireworks and The Fireworkers

On Thursday 19 August, the three teams are: Fully Fused Fireworks, AJ Pyrotechnics and Aurora Fireworks

The winner will be declared on Thursday 19 August after all displays have taken place.

What else is happening?

From 2pm on both days, you can indulge in a variety of food and drink stalls, as well as enjoying thrilling fairground rides.

There will also be entertainment on both days, which includes DJs, live commentary which can be heard throughout the waterfront, live music and performances.

On Wednesday, dance the night away with the nation's funkiest 10-piece band, Joey The Lips, who will take to the stage at 7.30pm.                                                 

Travel information

Travelling by car 

If you’re travelling by car, we would advise parking in either Theatre Royal or Western Approach car park. See the full list of car parks in Plymouth.

If you’re a blue badge holder, then there will be spaces available on Plymouth Hoe promenade to park, but please note spaces will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Access will be via Elliott Street entrance to the Hoe promenade from 5pm till 11pm. 

Road closures and Parking restrictions

There will also be road closures and parking restrictions around Plymouth Hoe during the event, as well as at Jennycliff and Mount Batten.

• Hoe Road (from the mound at the citadel to the junction of Pier Street) – 1pm to 11pm
• Madeira Road – 1pm to 11pm
• Armada Way loop (Crowne Plaza) – 4pm to 11pm
• Top of Lockyer Street to the junction of the back of The Esplanade – 7am to 11pm
• Citadel Road from Lockyer Street to Hoe Approach – 4pm to 11pm
• Lockyer Street from the junction of Citadel Road to the junction of Notte Street – 10pm to 11pm
• Notte Street from the junction of Millbay Rd to the junction of Hoe Approach – 10pm to 11pm
• Staddon Lane – 6pm to 11pm
• Lawrence Road from its junction by the pub from 7am on 18 August through to 12pm on 20 August inclusive
• Princess Street from the junction of Lockyer Street to the junction of Princess Ope inc. access from Armada Way – 10pm to 11pm

Bus travel

We recommend using local bus services to get to and from the event as traffic around the Hoe will be very busy – a bus to Royal Parade will be the best bet as it’s only a 10 minute walk from there.

All three Park & Ride locations will operate additional services throughout both evenings:

For journeys into the city centre, the buses will run every 10 minutes from all three sites from 6pm through to 8.45pm (8.58pm for Milehouse). The last buses leaving for the city centre are: 

• George Junction will be at 8.45pm 
• Milehouse will be at 8.58pm 
• Coypool will be at 8.45pm 

For return journeys from Royal Parade after the event, buses will be returning to all three sites every 10 minutes, starting at 10.30pm until late. The final departure times are:

• Milehouse and George Junction (outside Theatre Royal) last bus at 11.50pm
• Coypool (Royal Parade normal stop) last bus at 11.50pm

There will be an additional journey to Tavistock at 11pm on both evenings, and an additional journey to Ivybridge at 11.20pm 

Train travel

GWR will be operating their regular timetabled service, however they aim to provide extra capacity on their trains where possible for travellers in and out the city. This means that on both days of the event:

• The last journey on the Tamar Valley Line (to Gunnislake, Calstock and Bere Alston) will depart Plymouth at 9.30pm. 
• The last journey to Gunnislake will depart Plymouth at 10.38pm.

Cross Country Trains, on top of ther regular timetabled service, will be operating an additional 10.45pm departure from Plymouth calling at Totnes and Newton Abbot (where there is a connection on to Exeter). This will happen on both nights.

Find out more about travelling around Plymouth.

Consider the environment

As part of our pledge to reduce single use plastics in Plymouth, we will be undertaking a series of measures at the competition, which includes:

• Reducing the use of plastics in the firework displays
• Reducing the use of plastic cutlery from catering stands, with drinks from the bars served in recyclable plastic cups
• Public recycling bins will be available on the Hoe promenade and visitors asked to recycle as much as possible and using the appropriate bins. We ask visitors to take their rubbish home with them if them if the bins are full/unavailable.
• We will also be conducting post-event beach inspections.

Our top tips to make the most of it!

• Although it’s August, British weather can be unpredictable – and it can be chilly at night – so check the forecast, dress appropriately and make sure you wrap up warm.
• Plan your journey in advance. The roads will be busy, so take public transport, walk or cycle if you can and check out our full travel information.
• Due to the volume of people attending, your mobile signal may be unreliable so agree on a meeting point for friends or family in case you get separated.
• The event is outside, but you can take steps to keep yourself and others safe by taking regular lateral flow tests and wearing face coverings if you visit any indoor businesses.
• If you’re planning to eat at one of our many brilliant restaurants, cafes or bars beforehand we’d recommend booking a table in advance (and do so quickly, as they’re likely to be busy!)
• Tag us in your photos on Instagram (@visitplymouth) so that we can share all your amazing photos!

Plymouth is easily accessible by train with a wide range of services running from a variety of locations within England. Although some services may require a change or two.

Travelling from London takes around 3 hours with Great Western Railway, if you're coming from the north, the trip from Manchester can take 5 hours 15 minutes. 

Alternatively, the recently renovated Night Riviera Sleeper service runs Monday – Friday and Sunday evenings. Visit gwr.com/sleeper for more details on times and how to book.

We recommend using GWR.com to search for the fastest and best route for your journey, and book in advance for the best price.