Young People’s Choice Award back by popular demand for second year at British Firework Championships

1st August 2024

A group of local care-experienced young people are preparing to play a vital part, for the second year running, in judging this year’s British Firework Championships.

Back by popular demand, the Young People’s Choice Award, supported by Plymouth Citybus, is a fantastic opportunity for local youngsters to join the official judging panel of industry experts.

Every year the skies above Britain’s Ocean City explode in a blaze of colour during the British Firework Championships when, over two nights, six professional pyrotechnic companies compete to entertain up to 100,000 spectators on Plymouth Hoe and the waterfront.

The esteemed young judges will have exclusive access to view each of the displays from the walls of The Royal Citadel, directly opposite the firing site on Mount Batten Breakwater. At the end of each evening they will join the other judges in the deliberation room. They will score each performance based on variety, sequence, rhythm, colour and most importantly – the wow factor!

“I am delighted that we are able support a new panel of young judges this year. This is a wonderful opportunity for our young people who are in the care of the local authority and the amazing people who look after them to get involved in one of the city’s most spectacular events, have fun and have their voices heard through this important award.” said Karen Blake, Plymouth City Council’s Head of Service (Permanence and Fostering), Children, Young People and Families.

The Young People’s Choice Award will be presented to the winner by the young judges, the Lord Mayor and Plymouth Citybus, headline sponsors of the prestigious accolade, at the Award Ceremony which will take place on Thursday 15 August at 11pm from within the walls of The Royal Citadel.

The British Firework Championships, which is free to attend on Plymouth Hoe, takes place on 14 and 15 August, attracting locals and visitors from across the country enjoying the awe-inspiring displays, live music, food and entertainment.

Mark Collins, Commercial Director for Citybus, said: “We are delighted to be involved with this exciting opportunity for young people which reflects our passion for supporting our community.

“Here at Plymouth Citybus, the community is at the heart of everything that we do and we continue to support local community initiatives, charities and organisations in any way that we can.”

Each evening three firework companies will showcase their displays at 9.30pm, 9.50pm and 10.10pm. However, the fun and entertainment will start long before that with fairground rides and catering open on Plymouth Hoe from 2pm each afternoon, followed by a DJ, live music, and breath-taking fire performers on both nights.

Jemima Laing, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “We’re particularly pleased to see the return of this award as it puts care-experienced young people at the heart of one of our city’s most exciting and colourful events. They made excellent judges last year and took their role very seriously – I’m looking forward to finding out which display they choose.

“We appreciate the continued support from Plymouth Citybus who for the second year have helped make this wonderful opportunity viable – thank you.”

For more information about the event visit: https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/whats-on/major-events/british-firework-championships