Western Morning News (Saturday)
City fireworks display given special meaning
THE British Firework Championships held over two nights in Plymouth this week were dedicated to the victims of the Keyham shootings.
In a special tribute on both Wednesday and Thursday evening, a one minute silence was held, when those attending beamed their phone torches into the sky, filling the waterfront with light. This was followed by a display of five heart-shaped fireworks to signify each life lost and a minute-long round of applause in memory of the victims – Maxine Davison, Sophie Martyn, Lee Martyn, Stephen Washington and Kate Shepherd. Five green hearts were also projected onto Smeaton’s Tower during the event.
Six firework companies competed over two nights, watched by thousands of people along Plymouth’s waterfront.
Aurora Fireworks, the second contestant on the second night, were crowned winners of the 2021 British Firework Championships, while second place went to Fully Fused Fireworks, and Phoenix Fireworks came in third.
The British Firework Championships is hosted by Plymouth City Council in partnership with The Event Services Association and this was the 24th event. The competition has been held annually since 1997, apart from last year when it was affected by the pandemic.
Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “The tribute was incredibly poignant and emotional, particularly the sight of thousands of people using the lights on their phones to illuminate the skies. This truly was #PlymouthTogether and long may this solidarity continue across our great city.
“And after a two-year absence due to coronavirus, it was fantastic to be able to host the Championships again, bringing joy to our local communities and welcoming visitors back to Plymouth.”