Associated British Ports announced as Lead Partner and RNLI as Charity Partner for this year’s British Firework Championships

15th July 2024

Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest port operator, is set to partner with the British Firework Championships in their 27^th year of captivating audiences on Plymouth Hoe. This exciting partnership aims to support Charity Partner, Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which is celebrating its remarkable 200-year milestone of saving lives at sea.

ABP, which owns and operates Plymouth’s Millbay Docks – a key hub within the city which is currently undergoing strategic infrastructure upgrades – is committed to supporting this year’s event and chosen charity partner, RNLI.

Ashley Curnow, Divisional Port Manager, Associated British Ports, comments, ‘ABP is thrilled to be this year’s official partner of the British Firework Championships. As a proud member of the Plymouth community, we are committed to supporting events that bring joy and excitement to the city and showcase what it has to offer’.

Returning to Britain’s Ocean City on 14 and 15 August, the British Firework Championships will welcome over 100,000 spectators to watch six of the UK’s leading firework display companies compete, to be crowned champion in the prestigious two-night competition.

This year’s line-up includes Smart Pyrotechnics from Wiltshire, Sky Rascal Fireworks from Somerset, Pyrotex Fireworks from East Staffordshire, Anytime Fireworks from Dorset, Celestial Firework Displays from Leicestershire and BBB Fireworks from East Sussex.

Over the course of the two-day event, there will be a programme of live bands and performers. The RNLI will have a stall where people can find out more about the work the charity does and how to get involved. There will also be Q&A with members of the RNLI crew on stage from 5pm until 8.45 pm, before the mesmerising firework displays and commentary begin each evening at 9.30 pm.

Jason Luff, RNLI Community Manager for Plymouth said: “This year, the RNLI is marking 200 years of saving lives at sea, in which time it has saved more than 146,000 lives. Throughout 2024, we are remembering our remarkable history, celebrating the modern lifesaving service we provide today, and looking forward to inspiring and welcoming a new generation of lifesavers and supporters. Partnering with the British Firework Championships is a great opportunity to bring some extra sparkle to this momentous year.”

The most popular locations to watch the British Fireworks Championships are on Plymouth Hoe and along Hoe Road. The event is free to the public in these locations.

There are two accessible viewing areas available on Plymouth Hoe, one located on top of the Belvedere, for those wishing to stay away from the main crowds. There is another – an accessible riser platforms directly opposite the main stage where a BSL interpreter will be on the side of the stage from 6pm each night to cover all aspects of the entertainment programme. Other accessible provisions include parking for Blue Badge holders on the Hoe promenade and toilets at both ends on site.

Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Events at Plymouth City Council, said: “I can’t thank Associated British Ports enough for helping us make sure this terrific event remains free for both our residents and visitors who come from all over to enjoy.

“It’s thanks to their generosity that we have yet again been able to put on such a fabulous spectacle for families to enjoy.

“It is also fantastic to be able to share such a significant anniversary with the RNLI – a charity that has been saving lives for centuries around our shores.”

On the main stage, there will be live performances from King Dinosaur, Black Friday, Freshly Squeezed, Hayward, The Cabarats and The Native, with summer tunes by CASA DJs in the build-up and between acts. For more information about the event visit the British Firework Championships webpage.