THOUSANDS packed Plymouth’s picturesque seafront across two spectacular nights as the city went off with a bang for the British Firework Championships.

The annual event saw Plymouth Hoe become a glittering stage as six of the country’s leading pyrotechnic companies battled it out for the 2026 title.

And when the final sparks had flown, Kent-based AJ Pyrotechnics had the last word, being crowned British Firework Champions on Friday morning.

One of the displays during night two of the British Fireworks Championships in Plymouth
One of the displays during night two of the British Fireworks Championships in Plymouth (Mark Stevens)

The team endured a rather explosive start after suffering a firing system problem but managed to get back up and running before delivering the grand finale.

Their display clearly struck a chord with the judges, earning them the top spot.

The Fireworkers finished second, while Electrify Pyrotechnics and Nemesis Pyrotechnics shared third place in a closely fought contest.

Each team was given 10 minutes to wow the crowds, with judges assessing everything from technical quality, symmetry and timing to patterns, colour and overall artistic impression.

And there was certainly no shortage of bang for the crowds’ buck.

Thousands gathered around Plymouth Sound across the two nights, with spectators enjoying spectacular bursts of colour lighting up the sky above the city.

The Plymouth skyline was awash with colour during the annual British Fireworks Championships
The Plymouth skyline was awash with colour during the annual British Fireworks Championships (Mark Stevens)

A new drone show also opened each evening, adding another layer of sparkle before the fireworks took centre stage.

Now in its 29th year, the championships have become one of the South West’s biggest annual events, attracting visitors from across the country and giving local businesses a welcome boost.

The Hoe once again proved to be a natural amphitheatre, giving crowds a front-row seat as the displays were launched from Mountbatten breakwater.

The Fireworkers had another reason to celebrate after winning the Young People’s Choice Award.

Up to ten care-experienced young people from Plymouth joined the judging process, scoring the displays on variety, rhythm, colour and, of course, the all-important wow factor.

Passengers on the departing Brittany Ferry got a brilliant view of the British Fireworks Championships in Plymouth
Passengers on the departing Brittany Ferry got a brilliant view of the British Fireworks Championships in Plymouth (Mark Stevens)