Western Morning News (Saturday)
Local firm lights up sky at fireworks competition
THE oohs and aahs have been counted and this year’s British Fireworks Champion is from Devon.
Sonic Fireworks, from Uffculme near Cullompton, the second team to compete during the second night of the 25th anniversary of the competition, were voted the overall winner by the judges.
The championships attracted thousands of spectators to Plymouth’s waterfront on Wednesday and Thursday this week. It’s the first time that Sonic Fireworks has taken part in the national tournament.
Second place went to Bath-based Europla Displays UK and Fully Fused Fireworks, from Shefford, came third.
This year, each display included a tribute to HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee commemorations.
The British Firework Championships are hosted each year by Plymouth City Council in partnership with The Event Services Association.
The six professional fireworks companies that participated this year, listed in firing order, were Nemisis Pyrotechnics; Europla Displays UK; Phoenix Fireworks; Thursday 18 August; Fully Fused Fireworks; Sonic Fireworks; Wizard Fireworks
Councillor Pat Patel, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure & Sport said: “Huge congratulations go to our winner, Sonic Fireworks, for taking the top prize in the British Firework Championships 25th anniversary year! Every year we think we’ve seen the best the UK can offer, but the displays just keep getting better and better.
“We’re hugely proud to have hosted the Championships for the last quarter of a century and once again we’ve welcomed thousands of both visitors and locals to this fantastic free event, which takes place in the stunning natural amphitheatre of Plymouth Sound.”
Jim Winship, Director of The Event Services Association said: “I take my hat off to all the competitors this year. Despite all challenges they have faced over the last couple of years, they have again outdone themselves and given Plymouth a memorable feast of fireworks to remember.
“The winners this year excelled themselves and we look forward to welcoming them back in a few years for our next Champion of Champions event.”