The information below is for British Firework Championships 2024. Details about British Firework Championships 2025 will be coming soon.

This page is dedicated to ensuring all visitors can fully enjoy and participate in the spectacular British Firework Championships on Plymouth Hoe, Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 August 2024.  

If you have an enquiry relating to access and inclusion needs for this particular event please contact eventaccess@plymouth.gov.uk and an officer will get back to you.

The British Firework Championships is proud to have been awarded the Bronze level of Attitude is Everything’s Live Events Access Charter for 2024-2026, demonstrating our commitment to improving the experience for our disabled audiences, artists, and team.

Jump to: Site layout | Site map | Chill out zone | Safe spaces | Sensory needs | Information Points | Accessible Toilets | Blue Badge Parking | Drop off point | Accessible Viewing Area | BSL Interpreted Performance | Road Closures

Site layout

Plymouth Hoe is a large open public park area located in the heart of Plymouth. The surface of the main promenade is tarmac and has level access at each end, the level access entrances are Hoe Promenade East, via Elliot Terrace and Hoe Promenade West, via the disabled access ramp. The promenade is long with a distance of 400m from end to end (East to West) which gives a scale of size. Due to the historical geographical nature of the site, some areas within the park are not fully accessible and maybe difficult to navigate. All accessible toilets ARE accessible. This event is open public and non-ticketed with crowds in excess of 35,000 people attending each day. Activities taking place on site this year are:

• Adult fairground
• Childrens fairground
• Entertainment stage
• Catering outlets
• Various traders and stalls

Site Map

The map of British Firework Championships on Plymouth Hoe, 14 and 15 August 2024, is now online, and includes locations of everything you need to know.

Click here to view the map or the thumbnail below.

Chill out zone

Take some time out in the Sensory Garden (beside Osbourne Place entrance) on Plymouth Hoe where you can soak up the atmosphere of the British Firework Championships, while relaxing away from the hustle and bustle. You will also find some less busy spaces along the lower grassy areas of the Hoe.

Safe spaces

There are a number of registered safe spaces in the Plymouth area:  A Safe Place offers help if someone is anxious, scared or at risk while they are out and about and need support. You can visit the safe spaces website for more information or speak with our steward and events team who will be identifiable by their hi-vis and lanyards.

Sensory needs

Be prepared for loud noise, lots of flashing lights* and of course, Fireworks! Make sure you prepare yourself for the busy loud and bright atmosphere, some people take ear defenders with them… it’s up to you! Sunglasses are also helpful for really bright lights, but if these aren’t doable just look down at the floor when they’re too bright.

Go to the side of the main viewing areas, or try our sensory garden ‘quieter space’. The sides of the main viewing areas are usually a lot calmer. There is also a designated sensory garden (see above). Please speak to one of our stewards or volunteers that will be in hi-vis if you need any help, there are multiple bars and also a water point around the events site as well. There are two viewing platforms available as detailed below.

*Strobe lighting is not used as part of the entertainment programme on stage but there will be lots of flashes produced by the Fireworks.

Information Points

There will be many stewards and volunteers across the event on Plymouth Hoe, who will always be happy to help. Stewards will be wearing yellow high viz tabards and volunteers will be wearing pink high viz tabards, so please ask them if you have any questions.

An information point will be available and located beside the main stage compound, please look out for the information point flag.

Accessible Toilets

There are accessible toilets at both ends of the Hoe. The Hoe’s new permanent public toilets include six unisex toilets, with one additional accessible toilet and a large, code operated accessible changing places cubicle. This means the new facilities can be used safely and comfortably by all people with disabilities. In order to access the changing places cubicle please contact Changing Places Toilets or eventaccess@plymouth.gov.uk directly.

Blue Badge 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-served basis. Access will be via Elliott Street entrance to the Hoe promenade from 5.30pm.

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. Limited blue badge parking is available on the Hoe Promenade via Elliot Street, this is on a first come first serve basis and is not bookable.

Accessible Viewing Area

Area 1: An accessible area for viewing will be located on top of the Belvedere for those wishing to stay away from the main crowds and will be accessed via the Hoe promenade. This will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Area 2: An accessible riser platform will be available directly opposite the main stage on the East end of the Hoe promenade, this is the best location to view the main stage entertainment programme but is in a busier area of the event site. This platform will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

BSL Interpreted Performance

We are featuring a qualified BSL interpreter on the main stage (stage right). They will be present from 6pm each evening, covering all aspects of the entertainment programme from the bands to the firework commentary. This service is provided by Complete Communications Ltd.

British Sign Language interpreted performances are performances where an interpreter  is on stage interpreting the words and songs live. They are suitable for:

• Deaf people.
• Those with family members who use British Sign Language.
• People with an interest in British Sign Language.

Road Closures

• 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 roundabout to junction of 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 both days of 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.

Check out the road closure map for visuals, click the thumbnail below to view as a large image.