Three pyrotechnic companies opened competition at the British Firework Championships on Wednesday 12 August 2026, launching this year's contest in Plymouth. A further three firms are due to compete on Thursday, with organisers confirming the annual event has continued its run since debuting in 1997.
The championships have grown into a flagship occasion for both the UK fireworks industry and the city itself, drawing international media attention and large numbers of visitors each year. According to Visit Plymouth, more than 100,000 visitors typically travel to the city for the summer spectacle.
Jim Winship, of the Event Services Association, which organises the championships, described the opening night as a success.
We always get some fabulous displays and we had three excellent ones last night and hopefully another three tonight.
We brought some drones in and did a drone display so that was an added value for the many people who were out watching it.
Who is competing this year?
The 2026 competitor line-up was announced on 17 February 2026 and includes Electrify Pyrotechnics, Smart Pyrotechnics, G2 Fireworks, Nemisis Pyrotechnics, AJ Pyrotechnics and The Fireworkers, according to Visit Plymouth, with Electrify also named as a reserve team in one announcement. This year's event carries a theme built around the changing seasons.
SelStar Fireworks, based in Selsey, West Sussex, won the title in 2025 and previously triumphed in 2019. Event material for 2026 cited by Future Inns describes SelStar's 2025 win as securing them the "Champion of Champions" status. A spokesperson for SelStar said defending the title meant "the world" to the company.
Where are the fireworks launched from, and is there a fire risk?
Displays are fired from the breakwater rather than directly over the city, which organisers say significantly reduces any fire danger, and according to Visit Plymouth, the fireworks are actually launched from Mount Batten Pier, with Plymouth Hoe near Smeaton's Tower recommended as the best vantage point. Winship said the distance involved makes ignition of dry vegetation highly unlikely.
It would take an exceptional firework to actually reach any dry grass or dry land.
He added that precautions had been arranged in coordination with the fire service.
So we're fairly confident we won't cause any fires anywhere.
The reassurance comes amid a difficult year for wildfires across the South West. Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service tackled a blaze that forced the temporary closure of Land's End Airport near St Buryan in August 2026 amid drought conditions and a hosepipe ban, while wildfires elsewhere in the UK have placed extreme pressure on fire services during a prolonged heatwave. A separate fire on Dartmoor in May 2026 destroyed more than 1,000 acres and prompted new firebreak and emergency access measures.
Why does the event matter to Plymouth?
Sally Everton, of Visit Devon, said the championships remain a major draw for the city and the wider region.
I mean, it's huge - it is so well known, it is really important, it drives so many visitors.
It really is important for Plymouth and it's a wonderful, wonderful event to go and see.
This year's championships also feature a revised sponsorship arrangement, with Associated British Ports and ZeroUSV named as co-sponsors, according to Visit Plymouth. Each display runs for roughly 10 minutes, with a 10-minute gap between competing teams, and the weekend's programme on Plymouth Hoe also includes a fairground, food and drink stalls, and live entertainment, per event listings.
What happens next?
Three further firework companies are scheduled to compete on Thursday 13 August 2026, with displays starting at 21:30 BST, followed by further sets at 21:50 and 22:10, according to Visit Plymouth. The overall winner of the 2026 championships is due to be announced on the morning of Friday 14 August 2026.
- Event running annually in Plymouth since 1997
- Displays launched from the breakwater/Mount Batten Pier, with Plymouth Hoe as the main viewing area
- 2025 champion SelStar Fireworks, of Selsey, West Sussex, is defending its title
- Thursday's final three displays are set for 21:30, 21:50 and 22:10 BST on 13 August 2026
- Winner to be announced on the morning of 14 August 2026
