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

The British Musical Fireworks Championship is back with a bang in Southport this weekend and this year it’s promised to be better than ever with music and pyrotechnical magic packed into two nights of spectacular fireworks fun.

Six competitors from across the UK will battle it out for victory in The British Musical Fireworks Championship which lights up the skies around the seaside town – as well as the faces of its audiences.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and skills, says:

“The British Musical Fireworks Championship is the perfect way to round off an incredible summer of events and investment in Southport and Sefton – and may well be my personal favourite.

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

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?

It’s a colourful and exciting competition to find out who is the best in the world of pyrotechnics. Companies and their creative experts develop spectacular and innovative displays which are choreographed and set to music, and a panel of judges decides which they think is the best and will be crowned the ultimate winner. You’ll have your opinions but there’s no doubt they will all be amazing.

When is it?

The British Musical Fireworks Championship in Southport is being held this Friday and Saturday, September 22-23, with gates opening from 6pm and the action starting at 8pm. 

Where is it?

The Championship will be held in Victoria Park, Southport, PR8 1RX.

How many displays are there?

There will be three displays on both evenings, each lasting for 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 reaching in excess of 10 tonnes! Each show requires around 5 kilometres of wire to connect the electrical circuits and around 15 technicians working for 12 hours-plus to set up the display.

Who is competing this year?

Friday

8pm – Imperial Lotus Southeast Ltd.

8.30pm – Sonic Fireworks & Events

9pm – Gala Fireworks

Saturday

8pm – Celestial Firework Displays

8.30pm – Galaxy Fireworks (IOM)

9pm – AJ Pyrotechnics Ltd

How much are tickets and are there any left?

General admission tickets start at £10 each with children under five FREE (although they still need a ticket) and seated areas are from £25. Tickets for both are still available. 

It’s not just fireworks!

You can make it a real family event. As well as fireworks fun, there are always plenty of food and drinks stalls.

How do I get there?

Merseyrail runs frequent train services from Liverpool to Southport – check train times here – and both Arriva and Stagecoach operate bus services.

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

Can I park?

Yes, there is parking at Victoria Park.

Find out more details about The British Musical Fireworks Championship, or book tickets here.

Find out the latest in Liverpool here.