The world-famous British Firework Championships, in partnership with Associated British Ports, is returning to Plymouth's waterfront on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 August 2024. 

Look to the skies for one of Plymouth’s most spectacular annual events, where six of the UK’s premier fireworks display companies vie for the title of the best. Each company presents a dazzling ten-minute show with three displays lighting up the sky each night.

If you're planning on coming to this year's British Firework Championships, then here’s everything you need to know!

Jump to: When and where is the event | The competitors | What else is happening | Access information | Travel information | Be safe if on the water | Drones | Consider the environment | Make the most of your visit | About the partners 

   

Where and when is the event?

The championships take place on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 August 2024, with the fireworks being set off from Mount Batten pier from 9.30pm. 

The best viewing point is Plymouth Hoe, on the grassy areas surrounding Smeaton's Tower, however, the displays are visible from all around the waterfront.

The fun begins at 2pm on each day when the array of thrill-seeking fairground rides and delicious catering stands open up.

The live entertainment will begin on stage (located on the grass at the east end of the Hoe) from 5pm. A packed programme including DJs, and live music is planned for the evening, followed by commentary (including a British Sign Language Interpreter) during the displays.

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 10-minute gap between each display.

If you can't make it to the event there will be an opportunity to watch the British Firework Championships online from 9pm on our Facebook or YouTube channel.

Subscribe to our channel, or like our Facebook page so you don't miss out!   

    

The competitors

On Wednesday 14 August, the three teams taking to the skies are Smart Pyrotechnics, Sky Rascal Fireworks and Pyrotex Fireworks.

These will be followed by Anytime Fireworks, Celestial Firework Displays and BBB Fireworks on Thursday 15 August.

The winner will be declared on Thursday 15 August evening, 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 enjoy the fairground sites that will adorn the Hoe Promenade. Don't miss the all-new for this year stilt walkers and fire performers who will be performing in the build-up to this year's fun.

There will also be stage entertainment on both days from 5pm, which includes live commentary (including a British Sign Language interpreter), live music and performances.

Wednesday's live music line-up:

Family-friendly Ibiza Chill and summer jams from CASA will be on the stage between each slot. All music featured on this line-up is local home-grown grassroots talent! Bringing high energy, original tunes, King Dinosaur take to the stage from 5.15pm until 6pm. They'll be followed by Black Friday at 6.15pm-7pm.

The six strong, unstoppable Black Friday play a foot-stomping mix of high energy, home-brew folk-punk and celtic tunes. Freshly Squeezed will cap off the live music for the evening with the hip-hop group performing from 7.30pm-8.45pm.

Thursday's live music line-up:

Family-friendly Ibiza chill and summer jams with CASA will again perform between sets. Alt-rock band Hayward will begin at 5.15pm until 6pm. They'll be swiftly followed by The Cabrats from 6.15pm until 7pm before the much-loved The Native take to the stage from 7.30pm-8.45pm.

Check out the full live music programme and their bios.         

                           

Access Information

We aim to ensure all visitors can fully enjoy and participate in this year's British Firework Championships.

Discover all the access information you need to know ahead of this year's championships, including the site map, chill-out zones, drop-off points, accessible viewing platforms, road closures and more that are in place for this year's event.

  

Travel information

All visitors arriving by car are encouraged to use Plymouth’s Park and Ride services, provided by Stagecoach, which provides a quick and direct service to Royal Parade where passengers can either walk approximately 10 minutes up to the Hoe.

Important notice regarding Milehouse Park & Ride

On Wednesday 14 August (only), there are multiple events taking place in Plymouth, including an expected sell-out match at Plymouth Argyle Football Club as well as the Big Tribute Festival in Central Park. 

The Milehouse Park & Ride is expected to be very busy and the car park is likely to be full by the early afternoon. The Park and Ride service from Royal Parade will still be operating at the times listed below, but the Milehouse car park will be on a first-come, first-served basis and will be very busy.

Additional Park and Ride services will be put on after the event finishes, both services 100 and 300 will depart from stop number A8 on Royal Parade.

Royal Parade to George Park and Ride (Service 100)

• Depart 10.35pm arriving at 10.56pm
• Depart 10.50pm arriving at 11.11pm
• Depart 11.05pm arriving at 11.26pm
• Depart 11.20pm arriving at 11.41pm
• Depart 11.35pm arriving at 11.56pm 

Royal Parade to Milehouse & Coypool Park and Ride (Service 300)

• Depart 10.35pm arriving at 10.44pm at Milehouse, 10.54pm at Coypool
• Depart 10.50pm arriving at 10.59pm at Milehouse, 11.09pm at Coypool
• Depart 11.05pm arriving at 11.14pm at Milehouse, 11.24pm at Coypool
• Depart 11.20pm arriving at 11.29pm at Milehouse, 11.39pm at Coypool
• Depart 11.35pm arriving at 11.44pm at Milehouse, 11.54pm at Coypool

Travelling by train

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 of the city. This means that on both days of the event:

• 6.03pm – Paddington to Penzance terminates Plymouth 
• 6.59pm – Cardiff to Penzance terminates Plymouth 
• 9pm – Penzance to Exeter. Depart 3 mins earlier than usual from Plymouth.
• 9.22pm – Plymouth to Penzance runs additionally 
• 10.57pm – departing to Penzance calling at Saltash, St German, Liskeard and then all stations to Penzance
• 11.14pm – departing to Gunnislake, calling all stations.
• 11.16pm – departing to Exeter St Davids calling Totnes, Newton Abbot and Exeter St Davids
• 11.20pm – departure to Exeter St Davids calling Ivybridge, Totnes, Newton Abbot and Exeter St Davids

Travelling by car 

Travelling by car to Plymouth is easily accessible from most locations within the UK. Most driving routes will bring you onto the M5, which eventually merges to become the A38 bringing you directly to Plymouth. 

We recommend you use Google Maps to plan the quickest route for you.

There are over 50 car parks and more than 5,200 parking spaces in Plymouth and plenty of street parking. 19 of these car parks are situated in and around the city centre, varying from short-term and long-term stays. There are spaces in each car park for disabled badge holders. Standard charges apply. Other options include Drake Circus and the Barcode with over 1,600 parking spaces available.

If parking in Sutton Harbour, please expect long delays when leaving using the lock bridge as maritime traffic will be given priority when re-entering the harbour.

Disabled Parking 

An extended parking area will be available on the Hoe promenade for blue badge holders, but spaces will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. Access will be via the Elliott Street entrance to the Hoe promenade from 5pm.

Drop off point 

The best drop-off location, if you have access needs, is the Elliot Street entrance, this entrance has level access and leads directly onto the main promenade where the majority of the event activities are taking place, including the main viewing area and access platforms. 

See all our accessibility information here. 

Road closures and parking restrictions

At varying times throughout the event, several road closures will be in place across the waterfront. These are listed below:

• Hoe Road, from the mound at the citadel to the junction of Pier Street. 1pm to 11pm
• Madeira Road (junction of Elphinstone car park in its entirety). 1pm to 11pm
• Armada Way loop (Crowne Plaza with its junction of Citadel Road). 4pm to 11pm 
• Top of Osborne Place 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 with no access from Alfred Street. 10pm to 11pm
• Notte Street, from the junction of Millbay Road to the junction of Hoe Approach. 10pm to 11pm
• Staddon Lane, from the junction of Staddon Heights Golf cub to the junction of Jennycliffe Lane 4pm to 11pm
• Jennycliff Lane, from its junction of Staddon Lane to Lalebrick Road. 4pm to 11pm
• Lawrence Road, from its junction by the pub to the pier. 7am on 14 August through to 12pm on 16 August
• Lawrence Road, from the roundabout to the junction of the pub, 4pm to 10.30pm access for residents only.
• Princess Street, from the junction of Lockyer Street to the junction of Princess Ope, inc. access from Armada Way 10pm to 11pm

The following roads will be closed at various points from 7am to 11pm on both days of the British Firework Championships on 14 & 15 August for parking, waiting, loading and unloading of vehicles.

• Osbourne Place (Top 6 bays).
• Armada loop (All bays).
• Princess Street from the junction of Princess Ope to Lockyer Street (7 bays).
• Hoe Road from the mound to Madeira Rd roundabout. (All bays)
• Hoe Road waterfront from the Maderia Rd roundabout to the Grand Parage Roundabout. (All bays)
• Citadel Rd from the junction of Sussex Place to Lockyer Street. (All bays)
• Lawrence Road in its entirety (both sides).
• Jennycliffe Lane from the junction of Church Hill Rd to Staddon Lane.

Discover further details and advice on our travel information page.

   

Be safe if out on the water

Please enjoy the event but be safe. Whether you are on the water or along the waterfront, be mindful to follow all the common sense rules to keep yourself and your family safe. If you get into difficulties, remember Float to Live. Stay calm, float on your back and call for help.

Check out our water safety page for more details.

  

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 include:

• Reducing the use of plastics in fireworks displays
• Reducing the use of plastic at our catering stands
• Public recycling bins will be available on the Hoe promenade and visitors are asked to recycle as much as possible and using the appropriate bins. We ask visitors to take their rubbish home with them if the bins are full/unavailable.
• Take your litter home if bins are full
• Discard cigarettes carefully

     

Drones

There is a restricted air space covering the area making it a criminal offence to use the drone during the event. The no-fly zone is in place with The Civil Aviation Authority between 3pm and 11pm on each day beginning on 14 August 2024 and ending on 15 August 2024.

Check out the no-fly zone map.

   

Make the most of your visit

• Even though it is supposed to be summer...the weather can be unpredictable. We advise you to check the forecast in advance and dress appropriately to ensure you keep warm - it can be chilly on the Hoe at night.
• Plan your journey in advance. The roads are expected to be extra busy, with events taking place at Plymouth Argyle and Central Park on the evening. We advise you to 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.
• 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!) Check out our waterfront restaurants blog for further inspiration.

  

About the partners

Associated British Ports

Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest port operator, is the lead partner with the British Firework Championships in its 27th year of captivating audiences on Plymouth Hoe.

ABP is the UK’s largest port operator and owns and operates Plymouth’s Millbay Docks, which is a key hub for Brittany Ferries. Millbay Docks contributes over £93m to the UK economy, handling around 80,000 tonnes of cargo each year.

The Millbay Ferry Terminal is currently undergoing strategic infrastructure upgrades, worth a total of £23m. This is a combined investment from ABP, Brittany Ferries and with support from the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport seed capital programme. This work will help to secure the long-term future of the Ferry Terminal, strengthen the port’s freight capability, increase the port’s green credentials and help to grow the thriving Plymouth cruise market.

               

RNLI

The RNLI is on board as this year's lead charity partner.

This year, the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea, has been saving lives for 200 years. It is using this momentous year to remember its remarkable history, celebrate the modern lifesaving service it provides today, and look forward to inspiring and welcoming a new generation of lifesavers and supporters.

Throughout its 200-year history, it has relied upon the generosity of its volunteers and supporters to keep saving lives, and this support has enabled the charity to save more than 146,000 lives, that’s more than two lives every day since it was founded in 1824.

Plymouth Citybus

For the second year running, Plymouth Citybus is the sponsor of the Young People's Choice Award,where eight care-experienced children and young people will supplement the judging panel of industry experts to score the spectacular displays.

This opportunity for young people which reflects Plymouth Citybus' passion for supporting the community, and their initiative to provide lower-priced tickets is also part of their drive to give families and youngsters the choice to move around the city more affordably.

The community is at the heart of everything Plymouth Citybus does and will continue to support local community initiatives, charities and organisations in any way that they can.

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In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner