Everything you need to know about The British Musical Fireworks Championship in Southport 

The British Musical Fireworks Championship is back in Southport this month with two spectacular nights of fireworks fun.

Six competitors from across the UK will battle it out in the breath-taking competition favourite. 

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, economy and skills, says: “The British Musical Fireworks Championship is the perfect way to round off an incredible summer of events … and may well be my personal favourite.

“Having been running for well over 20 years, the championship is always hugely popular and brings in crowds from all corners of the North of England for a unique and stunning experience.

“People love all aspects of the show from the music to the array of colour, and of course the jaw-dropping pyrotechnics.”

So if you want to join them and be part of the thrills, here’s everything you need to know …

What is The British Musical Fireworks Championship?

The British Musical Firework Championship’s one of the most colourful and exciting competitions which aims to find out who’s the best in the world of pyrotechnics. Companies create spectacular displays which are choreographed and set to music, and a panel of judges decides which they think is the best and will be crowned ultimate winner. You’ll have your favourites on each night – but they’ll all be amazing.

When is it?

It’s being held on Friday and Saturday, September 20-21, with gates opening from 6pm (5.30pm for visitors with additional needs).  The action starts at 8pm on both nights. 

Where is it?

The championship will be held, as always, in Victoria Park, Southport.

How many displays are there?

There will be three displays on both evenings, each lasting for around 15 minutes.

That’s a lot of fireworks!

It really is. During the competition, more than two tonnes of explosive material are used with the total weight of fireworks totalling more than 10 tonnes. Each show needs around 5 kilometres of wire to connect the electrical circuits and 15 technicians working for 12 hours-plus to set up the displays.

Who is competing this year?

Friday

8pm – Electrify Pyrotechnics
8pm – Bright Sparks Fireworks
9pm – Xplosive Fireworks

Saturday

8pm – Dynamite Fireworks
8.30pm – The Art of Sparks
9pm – Fully Fused Fireworks

How much are tickets and are there any left?

General admission tickets are £12 each with children under five FREE (although they still need a ticket) and seated areas are £25 per person. Tickets for both are still available and it’s a ticket-only event with NO GATE SALES on the night.

What else is there?

It’s not just fireworks. You can make it a real family event because there are always plenty of food and drinks stalls, and there’s live music on both nights from 7pm. There are also children’s inflatables, glitter and face painting, and other attractions.

Can you take your own food?

Yes you can. Food is allowed on site but no BBQs or open fires for safety reasons.

How do I get there?

Merseyrail runs regular train services from Liverpool to Southport – check times at https://www.merseyrail.org/ – and Arriva and Stagecoach both operate bus services.

www.arrivabus.co.uk/ and https://www.stagecoachbus.com/

If you’re planning to drive there, put PR8 1RX into the Sat Nav.

Can I park?

Yes, there’s official parking at Princes Park which opens from 4pm and costs £8 per car.  You can pay by cash or card, but card payment is preferred.

Road closures

Marine Drive will be closed from 7.15pm and re-opened once the final display has finished. Rotten Row is closed from 4pm.

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs are allowed but it’s strongly advised you don’t take them due to the noise of the fireworks. If you do take your dog, they must stay on a lead.

For more info on The British Musical Fireworks Championship click here.

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