The British Musical Fireworks Championship is set to return with a spectacular display at Southport's Victoria Park this weekend. Visitors can look forward to an impressive showcase of colour, formations and special effects, as fireworks light up the night sky in time with a specially selected soundtrack.
More than 10 tonnes of fireworks and two tonnes of explosive materials will be used by expert pyrotechnic teams as they compete to deliver a dazzling performance. Each display requires around five kilometres of cabling to connect the electrical systems, while approximately 15 technicians spend more than 12 hours preparing the show.
Some of the largest fireworks will soar up to 500m into the sky, with every display carefully handcrafted by the individual competing teams. Here's everything you need to know about Merseyside's biggest fireworks spectacular.
What date is the British Musical Fireworks Championship?
A panel of judges will score each performance to determine the winner during the event, which spans two nights from Saturday, September 26 to Sunday, September 27. Both events begin at 5.30pm with a 9.30pm curfew.
What to expect
Firework teams will launch their displays into the sky choreographed to a musical soundtrack. Displays vary with unique moods, patterns, colours, effects, timing and overall designs depending on what the team is trying to convey.
This year's competitors include:
- Skyburst (Saturday)
- Monumental Fireworks (Saturday)
- Sonic Fireworks (Saturday)
- Celestial Displays (Sunday)
- Flashpoint Fireworks (Sunday)
- Fire Monkey Pyro (Sunday)
There will also be grounded activities including children's inflatables, attractions, street food, bars and hot drinks, and glitter and face painting. Food is permitted on site, however barbecues or open fires are not.
How to buy tickets
Tickets are available in advance only, there will be no gate sales at the event. Tickets are £13 per person (plus booking fee), with under five year olds free to attend.
Seated tickets are £25 (plus booking fee) per person. Car parking is £8 per car. You can purchase tickets online here.
If you have a disability that necessitates a carer, your carer will be welcomed free of charge on the day. A carers ticket will be issued at the entrance following production of one of the documents below.
One example of supporting documentation for Carers Allowance, Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance must be produced on the day. Without documentation, carers will need to purchase a ticket on arrival.
How to get there and where to park
Northern Rail and Merseytravel operate frequent trains to Southport. The nearest train stations are Birkdale and Southport, both are about a 15 minute walk from the event site.
The official event car park is Princes Park, opening at 4pm ahead of the event's 5.30pm start. You can pay by cash or card.
