Are you planning a fireworks show for your family or your friends? The trick is to know which fireworks are the best to buy.
A fantastic fireworks show starts with great fireworks options. If you are a novice, the options is overwhelming due to the numerous options. Here we hope to provide the details on buying fireworks and the best ways to plan an outdoor fireworks show in the UK.
Are you excited for the perfect fireworks display for your backyard? Here’s the ultimate guide to the best fireworks to buy and how to plan your fireworks display.
Fireworks of a different kind
There are many different types of fireworks that aren’t in the same way, and you must to be cautious about the types of fireworks you choose. The distinct differences between kinds of fireworks can make your choice difficult. Therefore, we’ve created a list of the most widely used fireworks options that are available within the UK.
Aerial Bombshell Fireworks
One shot firework which blasts a fused sphere into the air, before blasting off. Aerial Bombshells generate the largest single explosion at the top of the sky with a height of as high as 30 meters. (a 10-story building)
Parachutes
An effect in the daytime that releases parachutes with the Canadian flag. The daytime parachutes leave smoke on their trail as they fall to the ground.
For more information on what are the best kind of fireworks to buy click here.
Roman Candles
Roman candles are single cardboard tubes that release effects such as glittering stars, coloured stars, comets and flower bursts, one at a time at a height of up to 35m (a one-story tower)
Multishot Cakes
Cakes are made up of several tubes, which are then arranged to form what is known as a “cake” like device.
They vary in size from 9 shots up to 100 shots, with everything between. Durations range from up to 50 seconds.
There are 3 types of cakes:
Fanned- the tubes are laid out in a ‘fan’ shape inside the cake so it is firing left and right, and straight up
Vertical- all the tubes shoot straight upwards
Single ColourCakes – cakes that are all one colour, great for gender reveal events or as a theme for your event
What’s great about cakes is it only takes one fuse to make a lot happen at the top of the mountain.
A height of up to 60m (a 19-story building)
Mines
The firework mining is one shot that causes an eruption that resembles a volcano. It is characterized by coloured stars, which can also be accompanied by whistles or crackling stars. (Think on a shotgun with a birdshot-like effect.)
PRO TipPRO Tip Mines make a great video “punch” throughout your show and even in your final.
Up to 50m high. (a 16-story building)
Noisemakers
They are typically small single-shot fireworks which shoot a small report or bang into the sky, some with comet tails, and some with whistles.
Ground/ Non-Aerials
According to the name the fireworks within this category are ground-based. This means that the effects can be observed from a distance and will likely remain within the backyard of your home.
Here are a few non-aerial firework options you can explore.
Wheels
These often come from round-shaped discs or cards that are nailed to a post and light up to create an amazing spinning wheel full of shimmer.
Ground Spinners
As with the wheels, the ground spinners impress firework enthusiasts thanks to their spinning motion. However these fireworks have rocket-like spinners that spin on the ground when the flame is lit. Ground Spinners offer a good amount of light, usually changing colors to create a captivating effect.
Fountains
If you want to enjoy a more peaceful display, it is recommended to consider fountains for firework. These are very popular because they offer plenty of light and colour but without the loud blasts of fireworks that are affixed to the sky.
Fountains release a shower of colourful sparks just like a water fountain. They come in various dimensions and shapes depending on the amount of lasting effect you’re seeking.
Sparklers
There’s no more elegant firework than the sparkler. But it’s a classic, what memories are created from…
Sparklers are a kind of hand-held firework which burns slowly and emits bright, intense colored sparks, flames, among other effects. They are perfect for birthday cakes, or put in the ground for an enthralling light show. Available in lengths that range from 30 seconds to nearly 3 minutes!
Smoke Grenades
Although technically, they are not firework they are a popular choice for daylight effects, photography, weddings, gender reveal, hiking, camping etc. Simply pull the pin and massive amounts of vibrant smoke will be released!
Cake Fountains
Sparkle the celebration with these beautiful gold cake fountains! Simple to light, leaves no trace on the cake, and is virtually smokeless, a treat to work with and an absolute delight to gaze at. Set them on the cake or pass them out to your guests, available in 30 sec and 60 sec time slots.
Make use of our Sparkle Clips to clip on to a wine bottle, or your preferred beverage.
Tips for Choosing the Right Fireworks
Now that you are familiar with the different types of fireworks that are available, you have to know how to choose. Here are some tips for choosing the right option.
Security is the most important thing.
The dangers of fireworks shouldn’t be ignored with about 71 reported cases which resulted in burns. The safety factor is paramount when conducting your fireworks show.
Here are the most important safety guidelines you need to adhere to;
Choose fireworks suitable to the area you will begin the fireworks. There’s a vast array of fireworks that are available. Some will be better suited for your location than others, factors like the height, distance from the left side to the right, noise etc.
Keep fireworks stored in a dry, cool area and keep them out of reach from children. The maximum amount of fireworks that can be kept in a residence is 10 kilograms gross weight. Any excess amount over this amount must be stored in a separate, locked building.
You can transport fireworks in your trunk. If there is absence of an actual trunk (e.g. van, pickup truck), transport fireworks in a non-sparking container with a lid. Do not smoke while loading and unloading fireworks.
Pick an open space that is free from structures, vehicles or overhead obstructions as well as dry grass or other plants that may catch fire. A minimum area of 30 m x 30 metres is necessary for the safe use of aerial fireworks and 20 mx 20 m for fountains or other ground-based items. The spectators should be kept at a minimum of 20 m from the area.
Each firework has printed instructions on its label. It also has a minimum safety distance, make sure you follow these instructions.
Be sure to follow all local by-laws as well as provincial laws regarding the use of your fireworks.
Don’t give fireworks to anyone who is under 18 or older. They are fun for families however they also burn hot, projectiles of fire with force, and should be handled by adults only in a respectful manner.
Familiarize yourself with your fireworks prior to the event. Take note of the different kinds of fuses and their locations as there may be many different kinds.
Never attempt to take fireworks apart or modify or alter them any other way.
PRO Tip: Ensure that you have the fireworks set up in a way that all the fuses are on one side. This helps you find that fuse while in darkness.
Always have water handy like water from a garden hose, or buckets of water.
Be careful when setting off fireworks in windy weather. If you’re unsure regarding whether it’s too windy, you can light just one firework for a test shot. Watch carefully to see what impact the wind has. If you still aren’t sure it’s best not to take the risk.
The shooter and any assistants must always use eye protection . Eye protection is essential with eye protection glasses such as safety or security goggles. The standard prescription sunglasses or glasses provide minimal or no protection. They may actually contribute to an injury. Wear clothing that is not flammable, such as cotton. Never wear synthetic fibres (nylon polyester) while firing.
Never allow smoking anywhere near the location where fireworks are stored and set up or used.
Keep unlit fireworks away from your firing area and put them in a container which is secured so that any sparks that escape do not be trapped inside. It should be placed upwind from your firing line.
Cakes and other things that need a base on a hard, flat and level surface to ensure the stability. The grass is not a good choice to lay down wood or plywood.
You can put cylinders, like roman candles or barrages between 1/3 and 1/2 of their length into a bucket of sand, wheelbarrow filled with sand digging a trench or hole into the ground.
The pieces should be angled away from the audience by 5-10 degrees. In the event that your ground has become damp or even muddy and the piece could be submerged for a period of period of time, you might want to put it in the bag of a plastic bag prior to inserting it on the ground.
Make sure you have a flashlight, or at least with a headlamp so that your fuse is clearly visible and you’re not stumbling around in darkness.
Use a flare to light fireworks, a flare and handle or a propane torch equipped with trigger or a longer butane-lighting device. Light with an extended arm, then retire.
PRO Tip: use our 15 minute flares and our Shooting Stick handle and light just like the pros!
Do not allow any part of your body to be placed on the top of the device that is lit.
If an object does not illuminate easily, or if it lights and then stops working, do not approach the piece for 30 minutes. Never try to re-light.
This is known as hanging fire. There is a chance that the fuse may just be burning and spark back to life unexpectedly. Soak the bucket in water for a night before removing.
After the show, you should wait for 30 minutes prior to beginning cleaning in case of a incident that could result in a fire being set. Be sure to clear all debris and waste after the show and dispose of them. Make sure you leave your place cleaner than when you came in!
Never ignite used fireworks or casings during a bonfire campfire, or fireplace.
And finally, and most important remember to be considerate of your neighbours.
If you can let them know that you’re going to be lighting fireworks? it lets them know you’re paying attention to them and will make all the difference in the world between having happy neighbors and angry neighbours. If they have pets, they can take steps to minimize the impact of noise through closing windows, turning on the TV or music.
Be aware of your effects
What effect do you wish your firework to elicit? Understanding the various effects and breaks will help you in choosing fireworks that fit your style.
Here are some fireworks to be looking forward to when it comes time for various fireworks for the consumer.
Comets: This effect on fireworks is accompanied by a long trail of sparks as it is flung into the air.
Crossettes: start as a single comet and break into multiple comets to create an equilateral cross.
Brocade: Fireworks have a long tail and end up with a spider-like look in the sky.
Fishes: the aerial effect resembles an entire group of fish moving in the air. It’s an attractive stunning view that makes for an impressive spectacle.
Palm: draws its name from the leaves of palms that stem from a single source. Sparkles and glitters rise high, but then break into an actual palm after a certain time.
Ring: The effect creates rings of stars in the sky.
Spinner: If the spinning effects on your grass, then take a look at the fireworks with the spinner.
Star: The effect is limited to candles that are roman. However, it is the fireworks show shoots clusters of stars.
Strobe It is possible that you’ll see rays that are not in use anymore appealing and tempting, therefore you must think about fireworks with strobe effects.
Whistles It’s a whistling sound as the rocket launches in the sky.
Willow: The effect creates what looks like a willow branch in the skies. Even though this effect is not widely used with the majority of consumer fireworks it is possible to search for it.
Spray: fireworks with this effect create small shards of sparks or stars, which can be alluring.
Understanding the effect is vital before you buy rocket fireworks. You can also predict the appearance of the fireworks display will look like.
Think of the equipment that fires. Equipment
How will you be firing your fireworks to launch the fireworks display? Consider the firing equipment since they’re just as important as the fireworks themselves.
To shoot the event the show, you must opt for cutting edge digital technology. Some firing equipment feature wireless capability thus allowing great range between different effects.