British Fireworks Championships
On 12th August 2026 to 13th August 2026 The Hoe, Plymouth
The British Firework Championships were started in 1997 and, after considering a number of venues around the UK, Plymouth was chosen to host the Championships as it provides a natural amphitheatre for the large scale pyrotechnics and can be viewed from a variety of points around the harbour and Sound by tens of thousands of people each year.
Each year six professional display companies are selected by draw to participate and then three of them fire on each evening (they have 10 minutes each to fire their display). Judges view from the Citadel which dominates the Hoe and Sound and gives them uninterrupted views of the displays. Every sixth year there is a Champions event when winners from the previous five years plus the previous Champion-of-Champions winner return to battle it out for the overall title Champion-of-Champions.
The Hoe is the focal point for families and a large proportion of people watching the Championships and entertainment is provided here throughout both evenings - including live music and funfair.
Reviews
- What a great trip! - A lovely time was had on this trip on the train itself and then river boat - we had the river trip on the paddler which was just perfect - a coal fired train and a coal fired boat! Enjoy.
- So organised - So well organised. All had seat reservations and the coaches were extremely clean. The river cruise did not disappoint and without doubt one of the best commentaries I have ever heard. Without exception everyone enjoyed the day out, and thought it was the highlight of our holiday. A credit to all.
- A big thumbs up... - A great time was had by all. The staff were really friendly and great at explaining. We took the steam train then hopped onto the boat where we spent some time in Dartmouth. It's a lovely touch that even the dog gets a ticket. The views from the steam train were so pretty the train and boat were both very clean and comfortable. A big thumbs up from us!