Fireworks Display Sites & Safety Considerations

Site Considerations

The choice of a good site is critical to public safety, and clearly important to the full enjoyment of the display.

Site Visit

It is obvious that the Operator to any short-listed site must pay an early visit

before detailed preparations can begin. The Operator will then be able to assess realistically the factors which follow. Important details are taken from HS(G)123

Space for the display

This is the space required for the operation of a fireworks display, including the safety area between the firing area and the spectators. It is likely to be a rectangle at least 150m wide by 75m deep (450 feet by 225 feet)

Space for the spectators

This area should ideally be upwind of the display area, and large enough to

accommodate the expected numbers. Spectators should not be so tight-packed that they could not move out of the way quickly in the event of an accident. As a rough guide, there should be no more than about two people per metre square.

The standing surface must be safe, e.g. to avoid slipping in wet weather, and free from obstructions, e.g. ditches, which could cause injury, particularly in the dark.

Fallout Zone

This is an area that is what it suggests. It is calculated to be large enough to contain any fireworks debris that will come back to Earth! The fall-out zone must be clear of any people, buildings, stores or anything inflammable.

Make sure that spectators or uninvited guests are not watching from the rear, or near the fall-out zone.

Remember that rockets when fired will turn into the wind. Even if the wind is blowing away from crowd a rocket will fly towards them. The most dangerous piece of debris from a spent firework is the rocket body and stick.

Space for a Bonfire (If there is to be one)

This must be well clear of other activities that could be adversely affected by stray sparks or smoke, e.g. the firing and spectator areas. It must be well clear of buildings, roads, railways, rights of way, etc., and at a safe distance from stocks of flammable materials and overhead power lines. It should be downwind of the spectator area

Access to the Site for the delivery of Fireworks and other Equipment

Safe and certain access to the site from the road system is required for the supply vehicles. When choosing access routes, account must be taken of the adverse effects of weather on soft-surface ground and tracks.

Access to the site for Emergency Vehicles

Police, Fire, and Ambulance vehicles must be able to reach the site quickly, under all weather conditions. The routes must not become obstructed during the display, e.g. by other parked vehicles.

Access to the Site for Spectators

Spectator access must be adequate to get people on and off the site in reasonable time, again taking weather effects into account. A grass field may provide reasonable access in summer, but not after a few days of winter rain. There should be at least two routes, and they must be well signed and illuminated

The pedestrian access routes must be separate from vehicle access to car parking space, as below. There must be space for spectators to leave the site rapidly on foot in an emergency.

Spectator car Parking

Space for cars and coaches must be provided. If public roads are to be used, this must be agreed in advance with the Police. Pedestrian access from the parking spaces to the spectator area must also be well signed and illuminated.

Surrounding areas (Such as dwellings, Roads, Railways)

The display must be located clear of these, to the extent that damage could not be caused, even in the event of complete mal-operation of a firework item. In the case of roads, the vehicles do not have to be struck by a firework for a danger to be created. An accident could result from a sudden and unexpected event anywhere on or near the carriageway.

Overhead power lines

These are vulnerable to the impact of the fireworks themselves, and may also cause a flashover if they are near scaffolding and frames used to support display features, or if they arc to Earth via the column of hot gas ejected by a firework. They may also produce stray currents in electric circuits in the vicinity, leading to the premature initiation of firework items.

Hazardous installations

The display must be well clear of any installation where flammable materials are

stored or used, or where fire damage may lead to enhanced danger, e.g. plant where toxic gases are used.

Rivers and canals

Apart from the false-signalling aspects mentioned earlier, vessels and their

passengers on waterways could be endangered by a display accident. Also, spent fireworks landing in water could cause pollution, which could lead to prosecution by the Environmental Agency.

Prevailing wind

The prevailing wind direction will dictate the orientation of the display site, as

discussed earlier in relation to site layout.

Changes

Amendment to display features if safety considerations require it should be possible and ideally the ability to modify the site layout if conditions change between the time the display is planned and the time of execution. For example, if there is a significant change in wind direction, or if new adjacent features appear, e.g. construction work. An alternative plan should be held in readiness for a layout change if necessary. Obviously, the larger the total safe area available, the easier it would be to accommodate alternative layouts.

In general, the choice of firework display site is critical, and the exact form of the display, and the type of fireworks to be used, cannot finally be determined until the site is confirmed. Once determined, the site should not be changed. Otherwise the planning process will have to restart from the beginning.

Fuse Types, Characteristics and methods of Joining: Part 3

GREEN PLASTIC IGNITER CORD

This fuse burns slowly, at about 25mm (1inch) per second. It is normally used to provide delays at ignition points and in sequences. It sometimes serves as the initial point of ignition for the fireworks.

Connecting green to green is done by twisting 25mm. or so and taping, green to quickmatch by inserting at least 25mm into the core and taping, quickmatch to green by stripping the plastic sleeve (to aid the transmission of the flame use tape wrapped around the plastic sleeve which when pulled back reveals the brown core) and inserting the incendiary into the central core of the quickmatch and then tying with a cable tie if required and/or tape.

BROWN PLASTIC IGNITER CORD

May be worked in a similar fashion to green, however it has a considerably faster burning rate and to avoid confusion should be kept away from the general fusing process unless specifically required.

Other Fuse Joints (Spanish Delays and Pressed Delays)



You can either have a fuse join that finishes at the delay in which case simply reveal 25mm or so of the Quick Match, place this is the end and secure using a cable tie or string. If you wish to join a number of varied time delays together to create several delays from one line of Quick Match then fold the quick match over and cut the end to reveal the internal fuse as shown above.



Once you have done this place the double strand in (exposed end first) and secure in using a cable tie or string.

These fuses can be used to provide delays between sequences of various items or used as a method of delaying shell in the same way as using PIC. Delays are generally more accurate but are more costly, but the benefits can out way when firing to music etc. You must also remember that pressed delays in particular can burn quite viciously and this must be considered when securing them down due to unwanted burning to surrounding fuses, other items and even wooden racks

Safety Considerations When Fusing

The following points must be taken into consideration with regard to fusing before you arrive on site:-

Fusing away from the workshop may only take place on the site of the display,
even though more than one day may be required to prepare the fireworks.

If the weather is poor and you require shelter, fusing may only take place inside a tent or cover of light fabric material or vehicle with a light fabric roof – never in a building.

Only use proper supplied cardboard / fibreboard tubes, high performance
polyprene or UPVC tubes for mortars and shells. Never use steel pipes or
lightweight drainpipes (they also sweat).

Handle quickmatch with care. Cut off what you need and put the rest of the bundle back into the storage container.

When joining quickmatch avoid cutting the incendiary cores. Where cuts must be made, only sharp scissors, nips or very sharp knife may be used. Do not tear fusing apart.

Keep all fusing dry and generally consider total waterproofing of the fireworks display. Bases of buried cardboard tubes should be bagged, open ends of tubes covered with foil or bags secured with rubber bands or tape, cake boxes covered with polythene, flights with thin aluminium foil (which must be taped down to prevent it being dragged off with the first rocket), candles wrapped with polythene etc.
Remember to remove waterproofing from rockets before firing!

Secure all joins so that they cannot be snatched either by accident or during
ignition.

Never use staples to secure fusing. Always use battens with cable ties or the cable ties themselves tape to secure them to the Shell Frame, tape can also be used (gaffer tape) but tends to be less reliable and the PIC can rip stopping the sequence

Do not set green cord along a surface and then cover in tape as it will burn more quickly.

Keep the work site tidy.

Fuse Types and Methods of Joining - Part 1

Below we describe the types of fuses and burn speed used in modern day fireworks. This is very helpful to know especially when it comes to firework safety and firework displays.

Types and varieties of fuses

Fuses are lengths of explosive material, mostly in the form of a thin tube containing the material, used to transfer ignition from the firing point, at a safe distance, to the firework device. They can be linked or joined to carry ignition through branches from one initiation point to several fireworks, or from one firework to another. There are two basic types of fuse-

· Instantaneous: These transfer the combustion at high speed, at many metres per second. This allows the simultaneous firing of several dispersed items from the same point.

· Delay: These transfers the combustion at a slower rate, to introduce a delay effect, e.g. a series of items connected by delay fuse can be fired in sequence at Predetermined intervals. They are designed to burn at different speeds, according to type. Thus any required time delay can be achieved by a combination of the fuse type, and the length of the run.

Fuse Types

There are many different types of fuse found on fireworks, some of the most common types are explained below:-

QUICK MATCH is the commonest fuse to ignite fireworks. These can be single stranded, double or multi – cored. Ordinary black match is made by impregnating a string with black powder slurry. Once dried it burns readily and relatively slowly. When encased in a plain paper or waterproofed paper ‘tube’, however, the rate of burn becomes practically instantaneous.

A protective cap should be provided to prevent accidental ignition when incorporated into a firework and these can come in differing colours. Quickmatch as obtained for general use does not normally have covers.

PLASTIC IGNITER CORD (PIC) is commonly used in the UK but not normally used elsewhere. When ignited it burns vigorously and at a constant rate which makes it ideal for use as a time delay fuse. Two basic types are used in fireworks – FAST igniter cords which are brown in colour and SLOW igniter cords which are green in colour. There is also PW6 which is slate blue in colour and a PIC brilliant blue in colour which is no longer made. All are made by ICI and are waterproof. They can burn under water.

FAST (Brown) burns at a rate of 3.3 seconds per metre (10” or 250mm per sec). It is wound on to reels in 150m lengths and is constructed from a central cotton core around which the incendiary is extruded. This in turn is covered with a clear plastic sheath and is Brown in colour.

SLOW (Green) burns at a rate of 38 seconds per metre (approx. 1”/25mm per second) and is also wound on to reels in 150 metre lengths. It is constructed from a central copper core around which the incendiary is extruded. This in turn is covered with a green plastic sheath and is slightly thinner than the brown fast PIC.

SLOW (Blue) is no longer available. Burned at a rate of 1¼ secs per inch or 49 sec/m.

PW6 (Slate blue) is manufactured the same way as green, looks similar but is a slate blue. Burns slower however, about 4 secs per inch (25mm) or 172 sec/m.

CHINESE SLOW burns very slowly and is unreliable. It will be found on Chinese fireworks as the primary delay. It is constructed from a central core of gunpowder surrounded by woven fabric. This fuse is generally not waterproof and if any damp is in the air it must be waterproofed. This type of fuse is usually replaced during the fusing process if there is any risk of damp in the air.

SPANISH DELAYS Look similar to Pipe Cleaners, constructed from a plastic or fabric outer, this covers a centre core of composition that burns at a constant and accurate rate. These are cut to size according to the length of time required. Spanish Delays are available in all time sequences from 1 second to 1 minute, and more if required..

TAPEMATCH is made by pouring black powder onto the centre of the sticky side of the adhesive tape (sellotape) forming a continuous narrow strip of fuse. Used essentially in the creation of lancework

Summary of Burning Rates:

Quickmatch Instantaneous

Tapematch Instantaneous

PIC Brown 1 sec per foot (3.3sec per metre)

Wasag Green 7 sec per foot

PIC Green 12 sec per foot (1 sec per inch/25mm approx)

PIC Blue 15 sec per foot (1-1/4 per inch)

Bickford 30 sec per foot (variable)

PW6 Slate blue 53 sec per foot (4 secs per inch)

Fireworks Families & Types Part 3

Mines

These can be regarded as similar to shells in the method of use. The important distinction between them is that the firework element is ignited in the tube and is already burning when it exits the tube.

The effect of a mine is therefore instantaneous from the spectator’s viewpoint and always lower, although heights of 100 ft. may still be reached. These produce effects of stars, bombettes, whistles etc. Special care must be given when loading the bag type mines.

It is sometimes extremely difficult to distinguish the difference between some cylindrical mines and cylindrical shells and there are even some spherical mines.

Multi Shot Barrages or “Cakes”

These fireworks known affectionately as “cakes” are actually a collection of other categories of fireworks grouped together in boxes and produce stars, bombettes, whistles, spinners, etc.

They may vary in size from small packages up to large cardboard boxes which can be very heavy to handle.

A cake may contain anything from say 25 x 2.5”” shells in light tubes, 100 x 30mm maroons or even up to 1000 roman candles one shot in each tube.

They are extremely powerful so please be careful! They need to be set up very carefully, with particular attention paid to the surface upon which they stand and secured to a series of stakes. Cakes should always be angled away from spectators.

It is important to ensure that they are the right way up! It is not unknown for them to be labelled upside down or even the larger ones to be packed into their boxes upside down. Please take note !

Due to the size of some Cakes and the calibres used, we recommend moving them at least 50 metres, and in some cases even further (refer to 1^st Galaxy Fireworks Site Policy)

Cakes are boxes containing a number of separate items, fused together so that they are fired in sequence over some period of time, normally much longer than for a single firework. The items may be all of one kind, or a mixture, including small, shells, candles etc.

As with roman candles, once started, the firing continues automatically until the last item is reached.

Batteries are comprised of a number of fireworks, normally of the same type, grouped in a single layout, to be fired as a single unit, individually in sequence, or in any other combination. The effect is the same as from any one firework on its own, enhanced by sequential or multiple firing.

Set pieces

These fireworks are, as their name suggests, used to create a static effect. They can be in the form of waterfalls strung horizontally on string or poles, wheels, flying pigs, fountains or lancework e.g. “Good Night”. These are mini flares linked together with fuse and burn for about 60 secs.

Careful attention needs to be paid to setting these up in order to gain the maximum effect from them, especially with respect to their height. Care must be taken to ensure that the moving fireworks set off in the right direction initially.

Most set pieces are not dangerous if properly assembled, however keep these out of the firing line to avoid premature ignition, especially lancework which must be positioned up wind of the rest of the material on site.

Lancework is a set piece of a special type. They are made up from small fireworks set on a frame which burn simultaneously as individual points of light to present a continuing two-dimensional picture. The picture may be symbolic, such as a badge or crest, or in word form, such as “Good Night”.

More complex effects can be produced by creating different pictures in sequence on the same frame, to produce an impression of motion.

Fireworks Families & Types Part 2

Illumination Pots, Bengal Flares, Lances & Portfires

The compositions used are designed to be slow burning and are contained in light paper cases which burn away with the contents. The commonest encountered are the good old garden volcano, Portfires which are used for ignition purposes, and Lances which are used for making up “Good Night”s etc. Others can be illuminating or strobing, with a duration of anything between 60 seconds and 6 minutes.

Roman Candles

A more complex firework consisting of a tube containing pyrotechnic units alternating with propellant charges. When fired, the units are thrown into the air in sequence from top to bottom. Different effects are obtained by using successive units of varying colour and form. They may also produce sound effects during their trajectory, including a report at the end. Between successive projections, the candle may emit coloured sparks or flame directly from the body.

They are made up to 60mm calibre and can send stars up to nearly 200 ft. The candle must therefore be securely fastened to a stake or candle frame.

It should be noted that as each successive star has further to travel up the case of the candle, it takes longer to exit the tube and is therefore subjected to the lifting charge for longer. The quantity of gunpowder has to be progressively decreased to achieve the same height. Do not use damaged candles – there could be a blow out.

Whilst the styles or effects of roman candles have remained more or less unaltered throughout their history, there have been alterations in the method of activity of achieving the delay between the successive stars.

a) The original Ruggieri design utilised green mix gunpowder and these candles will emit showers of sparks between successive stars. It should be noted that with the exception of any tube products that may be used, all the products are consumed and there is little or no fallout.

b) Typical Chinese candles are used in vast quantities in the fireworks industry. Here a continuous fuse runs down the side of the tube and is designed to burn for the duration of the candle. The delay between successive stars is achieved by alternating them with loose plugs of potters clay. During the course of even a modest display, a considerable amount of clay is thrown into the air. Beware!

c) In recent Years 1^st Galaxy Fireworks Ltd have been using “Typical” Chinese Candles manufactured using similar ideas to the “Ruggieri Technique”, and showers are emitted between each shot, this has enabled slightly better timing and larger stars etc.

d) To overcome the problems of achieving synchronised firing, there have been two developments, the earliest being the substitution of the green mix delay with a felt plug with a pressed delay in the centre. These felt plugs return to Earth unburnt.

Shells

A firework shell is a hollow projectile containing an explosive charge. In Western Europe and the USA the shell may also have an attached lifting charge. It must be remembered that this practice is by no means universal and the presence of a lifting charge would not be considered a defining characteristic by firework technicians. (The presence of a propellant charge is considered a defining characteristic of a rocket!)

The shell is projected from a mortar tube by a charge of gunpowder (the lifting charge) to burst high in the air with whatever effect is incorporated in the shell.

The mortar tube may be made from cardboard, fibreboard or specific types of plastic.

The shells may be made from paper or plastic and are either spherical or cylindrical in shape. It is much easier to contrive multiple breaks or bursts with a cylindrical shell, whereas the spherical shells are required to produce spherical bursts, chrysanthemums, peonies.

Shells which explode with a loud report are called maroons or salutes

The diameter of shells used at 1^st Galaxy Fireworks Ltd are generally anything from 2” to 12” and come in two types:-

a) Bottom fused and

b) Top fused

Bottom fused shells have their lifting charge ignited first. This in turn ignites a delay fuse to the bursting charge.

Top fused shells are fitted with a delay fuse to the bursting charge with a secondary instantaneous fuse to the lifting charge. These are perhaps a little more reliable as there is less risk of the delay fuse being blown out. These tend to be more cylindrical in shape. Care must be taken when installing top fused shells to avoid damage to this lifting charge fuse. It is also essential to ensure that the shell, as with all shells, is inserted into the tube the right way up. Damaged shells should not be used.

Shells can be extremely dangerous if they are not handled and fired in the approved manner. The exit velocity of a shell from the mortar tube could be in excess of 200 mph!

To appreciate the height and effect of a shell, the following can be used as a rough guide

If ‘x’ is the calibre of the shell in inches,

The delay to full height is ‘X’ seconds,

The height reached is ‘X’ x 100 feet,

The spread of burst is ‘X’ x 10 metres.

This will not always apply, however it can be used as a guide for most shells.

Pro Pyro Fireworks for the Enthusiast

So many people who buy Fireworks like to be able to get hold of something a bit special, a firework with WOW factor or even perhaps something which they shouldn’t get there hands on.

As so many of our Professional Fireworks Displays that we have done over the years we have been asked “where did you get that effect from”, or “can I buy Fireworks like those”. Well of course in most cases the answer is quite simply “No”.

The reason being so many of the fireworks we use in Professional Fireworks Displays are known as Category 4 Fireworks and are specifically for the use of Professionals and its Prohibited in Law that Members of the Public get their hand on them.

Well that got me thinking, another track I was considering at the same time was how we could get the most spectacular Fireworks on our shows whilst keeping under the Threshold of 1.4G, meaning the Fireworks where not 1.3G which in turn enables the movement and storage of fireworks to be made easy.

There are a number of factors that will determine weather a Firework is 1.4G as opposed 1.3G and its not always that the higher hazard (1.3G) is always more spectacular.

So as I thought about killing two birds with one stone (and not by blowing them up) I began to design, in my head, a range of Professional Grade Material that we could use, sell on to our Professional Trade Clients and from that I came up with a range of Cake Barrages and Rocket Volley’s that we now Call “Pro Pyro”.

The Pro Pyro range consists of lots of different Cake Tube Configurations and lots of Effects as well has a selection of small and medium volley’s (which are one of my favourite fireworks). We have loads of quiet effects, animated effects, louder fanned bombette effects and some speciality single effects, single colour and multi effect cakes all under the Pro Pyro brand and ethos.

Now we have the idea and the effects, colours and formations we worked on keeping them to 1.4G, in doing this using our knowledge of what our clients want, the law and the way in which fireworks are made we came up with really stunning fireworks which are Grade A and perfect for all manner of Fireworks Displays, very versatile and lots to choose from.

Well as luck would have it in most cases (not all) many of the Fireworks fitted the legal limitations for Category 3 meaning we could label them for Public Use and carry out the necessary BS7114 Tests for them and put them on sale to the Public.

Now we tested the market with a few last year and our Customers loved them, so please be on the look out this year as we will have even more in the Brochure

Firework Safety, Training is the Key

When 1^st Galaxy first began, or should I say when my Father and I first began back in 1985; attitudes to Health & Safety were considerably different, particularly when you consider that I was just Nine years old…..would I let my son on a Fireworks site at that age ?? mmmhhh difficult one I was OK, but knowing what I know I probably wouldn’t. In fact that is academic really as we are now told we cannot take anyone who is under 18yrs of age onto a commercial Display Site.

Interestingly it’s the “Claim Culture” which has been brought about by the Health & Safety act that is the root cause of the Health & Safety approach. Now I’m all up for Health & Safety and I will go onto that shortly but before I do just let me get one thing off my chest! Now as a slight anti authoritarian, (which lets face it under the current Labour Government is entirely what we are controlled by) I do have trouble with Government and Local Government sticking their nose into my business, consider for one moment that we (quote Jeremy Clarkson) have over 4000 Health & Safety Officers in this country and France has….wait for it…….NONE at all !! is this country safer than France ? I don’t know the answer but I would guess we’re not much different.

Now as I said I do believe in Health & Safety and I find it a double edged sword, mainly because I do believe in it yet I don’t believe in the policing of it, yet I suppose you can’t have one without the other. Back in the day when we rarely thought of Health & Safety we never had any serious incidents; however we did have some near misses at various Fireworks Displays. Ironically it’s been these near misses that have taught me what I know today, I have seen and been part of my fair share of mistakes, near misses and brown trouser moments, and its with this experience that we can pass of valuable information.

I’m a huge believer that you learn by your mistakes, and that goes for just about everything, in fact I would go as far as to say you can’t learn without making a few. Now the problem with that view and the use of Fireworks is mistakes can cause injury, serious injury and even death in the very worst cases. I do not want to have people working for me and “hope” they learn what I learnt and get away with it ! so in the past 6 or 7 years we have worked hard to improve, evolve and develop our approach to Health & Safety Training for Fireworks, their use & transportation & storage.

Back in the very late 90’s my Father and I were the team at 1^st Galaxy Fireworks we did it all, Displays, Retails, Kits etc and to put it mildly we were knackered and we decided to down size our displays business as we could not cope with the hours, added to that a nervousness about employing people and letting them loose with our beloved Fireworks Company. Well my Dad who is a great hero of mine said one day that we will only be able to grow if we get a team behind us and if we ensure that team are good, as your company is only as good as those who work for you!

Well with that in mind a small crew of possibilities we began training and passing on our experiences, we began documenting things and making small company policies. Well since then it has snowballed, we have members of our team involved right at the heart of the company and of course the team has grown. We have been fortunate enough to get some great people on the team and each of them has brought a different skill to the team which has helped enormously grow confidence, moral and a few years of good customer comments and limited incidents.

Added to this the BPA training program (which will be covered another time) we have created our own little Firework Display Operators School, which incidentally you can attend if your interested? please contact sam@1stgalaxy.co.uk

Firework Shipping Problems from China

2008 is the Olympic Games in China this year and this appears to be severely affecting Firework exports as various Shipping Bans have been put in place. In an effort to reduce the risk of bad news publicity during the games because of the likelihood of a Fireworks Manufacture accident the Chinese government have put out unofficial dates during which time Fireworks cannot be shipped around the country.

The irony is that in their effort to reduce negative worldwide media because of industrial accidents they have had one of the largest earthquakes on record which has hit the worldwide news.

Since mid 2007 there have been rumours that China would place restrictions on the movement of hazardous goods. There is a tendency in China to turn to kneejerk reactions in light of various factors, not least the eye of the world upon them. On many occasions in the past I have known whole provinces (the size of Wales) close entire industries over night due to an industrial accident.

Since our own factories have been aware of the rumours, and that’s all they have been rumours - there have been no official documents, we have had the insight and fortune to place our manufacturing schedule early ensuring that our goods are ready for shipping and receive certification in good time. We along with our customers placed orders before and just after Christmas 2007.

We now have some material on the water (on container ships) and making its way to us. During the past two months many of the major sellers of Category 4 material in this country have been restricting and even closing there sales to their customers in a bid to ensure they have enough material for themselves this year. The main reason for this of course is because they have no way of guaranteeing that they will receive some or even any of their orders.

1.3G Fireworks have been particular problems since there was an accident involving shells at a storage facility back in February. The already shaking transport system was rocked by an explosion near a Container Port and they immediately closed down to fireworks, and the accident was found to be caused by 1.3G material. So the already overstretched and over stressed transport system for fireworks became even more fragile, added to that the prospect of a Transport ban been placed from 1^st June to October 10^th.

Life importing Fireworks is certainly not easy, and to a certain degree nor should it be, but some of the hardness is un necessary and in some cases makes it more dangerous as stockpile of Fireworks gather in China with perhaps no way of actually leaving the country.

More recent rumours have seen some of these dates relaxed and we are fortunate that our items are on the way or booked onto vessels later in June. However I will not count my chickens before they hatch as the Chinese system, as good as it is cannot always be relied upon!

A Life Creating Corporate Fireworks Displays

Some of the most challenging Fireworks Displays we have done over the years have been for Corporate Client, the flip side of the coin for us with a Fireworks Display for the Corporate Display Sector is the fact they spend more but also make some very special requests.

The corporate client tend to be a little more fussy about their plans for a Fireworks Display, and of course anything done in the name of that company reflects on them so the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics have to be very special indeed as well as being perfectly executed with the upmost professionalism.

Over the years our company have provided displays for some of the biggest names around, Shell, 3M, Ford, BBC, Mobil 1 to name just a few. In many cases the Fireworks are put to us through a third party organiser and the whole vision can be part and parcel of a whole day of entertainment along with lavish settings at beautiful venues all in the aid of impressing their own clients and partners.

The shows them selves usually include a lot of themed material by colour and specific effects and patterns to promote and emphasise the product or company we are dealing with. In addition to that we regularly supply and make bespoke fire sculptures or Lancework Devices (coloured firework writing) so we can put a message across to the audience as well. We have on occasion also brought in lighting and lasers to write messages and project images to let everyone know who paid for the Fireworks.

What’s good for us as designers of these shows is being handed a project and then re creating that using old pyrotechnic methods combined with some of the latest Firework Display technology and software to put the whole show into place and ultimately entertain everyone and get a great response from them afterwards.

I recall doing a Fireworks Display at Kedleston Hall for Nottingham East Midlands Airport when it was their 40^th Birthday Celebrations, of course the whole theme was a “Ruby Party” and that included the tableware the inside design of the Marquee and of course the Fireworks. The entire show was virtually entirely red, pretty easy you think?? Well to create an interesting show without repetition in one single colour for around Four or Five minutes is not easy. The good news for us was because we have so much variety of material available ensured we could provide a show without excessive repeat of any one effect.

Our style has always been to create specific colour themes in most of our shows, with that in mind we do order many single colour effects in all Firework Types, Rockets, Shells, Cakes, Roman Candles and other Set Pieces so we could choose several products from each of the Firework Types and then just utilise the Red Components and make a large scale all Ruby Red Show.

Recently we provided a show for a Private Party for a wealthy family and the Fireworks Display was set to music and as it was for a Young Lady we were asked if we could match the Pink Feather Bowers and Bright Pink Carpet in the extravagant Marquee so we did with an ALL Pink Finale, it really looked stunning with a splash of Silver over the Top!

Organising Wedding Fireworks

1^st Galaxy Fireworks have been involved in Fireworks Displays since 1995; in fact the Family behind the company started providing Fireworks in 1985 for Lee’s (The Son) local School.

Since 1995 it’s clear to us the number of Wedding Fireworks Displays has grown hugely, its now on the list of so many would be bride and grooms and for many it’s right near the top of the list to. Of course choosing a Firework company and being satisfied that you have made the right choice can be pretty stressful, especially when you consider that you have so many other decisions to make.

There are a few golden rules to adhere to, in our own experience when dealing with Corporate Organisers and Councils, those who are in the “trade” there are always a set of standard questions to ask. Assuming the Firework Company you are considering can fulfil all of the questions you have asked you can be sure that you are 75% of the way to finding the right company.

The following questions are very important and must be fulfilled to be sure that the company is some way to being a “Professional Company”

1. Ask for a copy of their Insurance (Public Liability Minimum should be £5 Million Pounds
2. Confirm that they hold at least a Health & Safety Executive Storage and/or Factory Licence.
3. Confirm that they are a Member of the British Fireworks Association
4. Ask to see a written Schedule of what is in the Display

To further explain the above please read these notes –

Step 1. The reason you should ask for this is any Venue that you have your reception at will need to see one for sure, but also in the event that the company causes any damage to the property or even injures a guest at your wedding they will be adequately insured to cover any costs associated with the damage. Please double check the date of the cover extends to your event date, if it expires before hand remember to request a copy again after to renewal date. This will also demonstrate the company is a serious Display Company as policies are not cheap, and require certain minimum criteria in order for the underwriters to offer cover

Step 2. Its important to establish that the Company you are using actually has the correct legal storage. There are a number of reasons for this, not just breaking the law but also this will go some way to confirming that the company are a “Professional Company”. Again please note that Local Authority Storage Registration for Fireworks is not really suitable, you want to see evidence of at least a Local Authority Licence or even better would be a Health & Safety Executive Storage Licence as this would show the company has a large capacity for storage and more likely to be able to store the kind of material that should be in a Professional Show. Remember Fireworks are explosives and are tightly controlled when it comes to their storage.

Step 3. Ask them or look out for any reference to being members of the British Fireworks Association or the “BPA”. Membership requires a minimum set of joining criteria related to company turnover, storage and insurance. But in addition to this and equally as important ask that their employees have been trained to BPA L1 & L2 Status. This will confirm that the people in charge of setting up and lighting your fireworks have been trained and passed exams in proven and safe working methods.

Step 4. As a matter of Standard Practice any decent Fireworks Display company will offer you a list of Fireworks to fit a certain budget, they will describe the type, size and effect of the fireworks as well as the quantity of them in the show. If a company simply writes a nice letter confirming they “will provide a stunning display for 5 minutes for £700” I would be weary, it’s important to know what you’re getting for your money, even if you are unsure of what the items actually are.

These basic rules will go a long way to ensuring you make the right choice, our company provide this information for free either in the form of a written brochure or you can download the information from our website http://www.galaxy-fireworks.co.uk

Fireworks Displays - Valencia

For me one of the highlights of being in the Fireworks Industry is the fact that I get to travel the world. In the years I have been involved with Fireworks I have travelled to China, Spain, Germany, Ireland and many other places. One of the main aims of my travels is to buy Fireworks as well as to see other International Fireworks Display Companies in action. For the last three years I have had the privilege of travelling to Valencia in Spain to see the world renowned “Las Fallas” Festival. This cultural and religious festival which I believe to be a celebration of St James is a must for any traveller irrespective of the Fireworks.

The Celebrations start in late February or early March and continue for around a month, there are regular Parades and Flower Exhibits as well as Street Entertainers and the wonderful Cartoon like intricate sculptures which are ultimately burnt to the ground on the Final Night known as “Nit de Foc”. On the 16^th – 19^th March (those nights inclusive) there are literally Hundreds of Fireworks Displays both in the day and during the Night. The Daylight shows known as Masceleta are something else, they happen at 2pm and there are loads going off at the same time around the City. The small ones can be great fun, however it’s the Main City Plaza or Market Square where the big one happens. At around 1pm the Centre starts to get very busy indeed and you need to get there an hour early at least to get a good spot. As it gets closer to around 1.30pm they actually begin closing streets down and putting up barriers.

As 2pm approaches and there are 10’s of 1000’s of people packed into the Square there is a 10 minute warning in the form of a massive heavy Maroon which shakes the buildings in the City. Again Five minutes later there is another warning and at this point the crowd start to get excited, knowing that soon there will be an almighty onslaught of Maroons, Whistles and Smoke. With a minute or so to go and everyone’s eye is on the Main City Hall Clock Tower the crowd start to wave and whistle, you can feel the electricity and excitement as the First Maroon that Signals the start of the show Thunders through the streets.

Each show is unique and having seen probably 14 shows now no one has ever been the same, now to be fair as an expert and a bit of an anorak perhaps I am looking too deep into the detail. The aim of the show is to create as much noise as possible, but not just that on its own, the best shows I have seen have been almost like Music to the ears. Having a noticeable rhythm that the crowd =can pick up on is the aim, when a good one comes along you can see the 1000’s of heads and hands bobbing and waving in tune with the noise that’s been created. Extra to that is the actual vibration that you feel, the smell of Pyrotechnic Powder and the sheer noise that they make.

Some of the material is aerial and some is ground based and as the show progresses the pace builds as does the size of the material and the tone of the Maroons changes as they use small clusters and large single maroons.

One of the best I saw used an electrical firing system, picture for a minute a tennis court with large fist sized maroons hung from a rope around the circumference of the firing site, each one individually connected to a computer or some other form of electrical ignition. As part of the finale they ignite the first one and then there off falling and banging like falling dominos as each one goes off, the electrical current flying in a circular fashion, igniting them as the noise flies round the large firing site taking the noise to the other side of the Plaza and back round again….it stops, then whoosh back the other way with increased speed, then it stops again and then WHOOSH even faster back where it came from, the hairs on your body all on end.

As the Finale draws to a close you feel completely and utterly overwhelmed, all of your sense, Hearing, Vision, Touch all pulsating to their limits, your almost holding your breath and as the last Maroon echo’s across the city the crowd release there breath in a huge round of applause and cheer for more !

At 1^st Galaxy Fireworks we use these amazing experiences to improve our own Firework Displays and shows, inspiring us to create such a level of excitement and anticipation.