Fireworks, Fastnet & Festival

6th August 2017

PLYMOUTH IS THE PLACE TO BE THIS SUMMER

Britain’s Ocean City is playing host to some fabulous events this month – from world class firework displays and international sailing challenges to global jazz and blues sensations.

The Summer Holiday calendar kicks off with the 47th Rolex Fastnet Race on Sunday, 6 August, as 340 boats begin the 603-nautical mile race from the Isle of Wight to Plymouth, via the Fastnet Rock off the coast of Ireland. The short but brutal sea race challenges the mental and physical capabilities of its crews to the limit and strains the hulls of some of the world’s biggest and finest racing yachts.

And for the fourth year running Plymouth Yacht Haven will be the site of the Race Village - the home of the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Finish Office – where there will shops, stalls and live music. Then all eyes will turn skyward as the 21st British Firework Championship is set to go off with a bang - on Wednesday 9 August and Thursday 10 August. The cream of the nation’s firework display experts will battle it out over the skies of Plymouth Hoe.

Six professional firework display teams - Dragon Fireworks, AJ Pyrotechnics, the UK Firework & Events Co, Smart Pyrotechnics, Nemisis Pyrotechnics and Selstar Fireworks – will bring with them lorry loads of fireworks, fusers and timers to ignite the sky over two dazzling nights - all desperate to win the coveted UK title. So, with the excitement of the Rolex Fastnet Race and the British Firework Championship what better way to unwind than with a bit of jazz and blues.

Councillor Glenn Jordan said “August in Plymouth is going to be jam packed with wonderful events and attractions for the whole family to enjoy over the Summer holidays. The British Firework Championships are always spectacular, dazzling to watch, and draw huge crowds every year. Then the world’s greatest sailors will be in Plymouth for the Rolex Fastnet Race which is a must for anyone who loves the sea and sailing.