Blackpool’s free fireworks championship returns

Blackpool Promenade will host three free evenings of competitive fireworks from Saturday 12 September to Saturday 10 October. The World Fireworks Championship Blackpool begins with a display by Wales-based Celtic Fireworks at 8.15pm, set against the Blackpool Illuminations.

The public event brings together former champions from Wales, South Africa and Germany. Each team will present one display during the competition, giving residents and visitors three separate opportunities to attend.

Three Saturday displays on Blackpool Promenade

The championship opens on 12 September with Celtic Fireworks representing Wales. The build-up starts at 7.45pm before the display fires at 8.15pm.

Celtic Fireworks last competed in Blackpool in 2022, when it won despite challenging weather conditions. Its display that year was choreographed to music celebrating well-known Welsh artists.

South Africa’s Fireworks for Africa follows on Saturday 26 September. The build-up begins at 7.15pm, with firing scheduled for 7.45pm. The company previously won the Blackpool competition in 2017 and is described by the event organisers as one of Africa’s leading fireworks and special-effects specialists.

Germany’s Haupt Feuerwerke closes the competitive programme on Saturday 10 October. Its build-up starts at 7pm, followed by the display at 7.30pm.

The German team was originally due to make its Blackpool debut in 2020, but that appearance was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic. It eventually competed in 2021 and secured first place.

World Fireworks Championship Blackpool schedule

The changing start times mean anyone planning to attend should check the schedule for their chosen Saturday rather than relying on the opening-night time.

Former winners return beneath the Illuminations

All three competitors have already won the championship in Blackpool. That gives this year’s programme a clear competitive thread: each display comes from a team with experience of performing successfully above the resort’s seafront.

The Blackpool Illuminations will form the backdrop on all three evenings. Blackpool Council leader Lynn Williams said the combination allows audiences to experience two of the resort’s established attractions during the same visit.

Kate Shane, managing director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, said organisers expect thousands of visitors on the Promenade over the three evenings. She described fireworks, music and family entertainment as central parts of the programme.

Entry details for spectators

The World Fireworks Championship Blackpool is a free public event for a general audience. The confirmed venue is Blackpool Promenade, and no ticket price applies.

The supplied event information does not provide further booking instructions, accessibility arrangements or detailed transport guidance. Spectators should use the date-specific build-up and firing times above when choosing which of the three competition evenings to attend.

Source: Visit Lancashire Blog