Blackpool Fireworks Championships: Everything you Need to Know
The world fireworks championship competition in Blackpool pulls together the very best in professional fireworks experts for a collection of show-stopping displays. Find out all the details you need to know about the World Championships here, including the Blackpool fireworks start time, how to get there and what to do to get the most out of your Saturday plans.
The Important Details
The fireworks championships take place on 4 Saturdays across September and October on the following dates and times:
- September 11th 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Russia)
- September 25th 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Ireland)
- October 9th 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Germany)
- October 23rd 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Winner announced and celebration display)
The fireworks Blackpool sees this year will be launched via a new launch-pad over the beach in front of The Blackpool Tower, visible from the Pleasure Beach and Blackpool Promenade.
Each weekend of Blackpool fireworks championships will be dedicated to a different firing team (Russia, Ireland, and Germany), where the winner will be announced on the final weekend along with a celebratory display.
The event is totally free to attend, with food and entertainment stalls along the promenade that visitors can enjoy.
How to Get There
By Car
People driving to Blackpool to watch the fireworks can expect delays due to the traffic that the event attracts. It is recommended that anyone driving make their way to the southern car parks and then use the tram system to travel into the city. This will you time both driving closer to the centre of Blackpool and trying to find a place to park, as well as with the inevitable traffic leaving Blackpool at the end of the display.
By Public Transport
Blackpool train station is only an 11-minute walk from the promenade in Blackpool.
Number 5 and number 7 buses run to and from Bank Hey Street bus stop, only a few minutes walk from the promenade, every 15 minutes.
Blackpool tramway also runs along the edge of the promenade from Fleetwood Ferry to Starr Gate Depot.
Plan your journey using Blackpool Transport.
What to Expect?
Arrive Early
Although festivities start at 7:30 pm, the actual Blackpool fireworks times will be from 8 pm. Exact firing times vary depending on weather, tidal times, and wind direction. It is generally recommended that you arrive at 7:30 pm but we advise you to arrive as early as you can. Arriving early is the best option as you have more chance of getting a good spot to view the fireworks. This is especially important if you’re planning some firework photography. The Blackpool fireworks display is a very popular event meaning the beach and surrounding area can become quite busy as crowds gather to watch the fireworks.
If you choose to arrive early and get a spot on the beach you might want to bring along some folding chairs, and blankets if it’s cold. You could also bring some drinks and snacks with you, although Blackpool promenade is well known for having a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, food stalls, and shops.
Where to View the Fireworks
The beach is an ideal place to watch the fireworks from, but if you find that too busy there are several other spots that give you a good view over the launch site, including the Tower Festival Headland, the North Pier, or anywhere along the seafront. The scale of the Fireworks World Championships displays means you’ll get a good look even if you’re situated further down the promenade.
Blackpool Illuminations
The Blackpool fireworks competition takes place during Illuminations Season in Blackpool, where over 6 miles of decorative lights consisting of over a million bulbs light up the Blackpool Promenade from Starr Gate to Bispham. When you visit to watch the fantastic fireworks at Blackpool you can also soak up this incredible light show that people travel for miles to see.
Previous Winners
Each year, a professional team from three different countries, including the winner of the previous year will show off their firework prowess with a display showcasing all different types of fireworks curated to go off in elaborate patterns. Sadly, the 2020 Blackpool fireworks were postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions. In 2019 we saw Ukraine take the trophy as it triumphed over Estonia and Canada, the winner of 2018.
The winners of the 2021 fireworks championship will be Councillor Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council; the owner of Blackpool’s three piers, Peter Sedgwick; and Cheryl Tchobanian, owner of The Beach House Bar & Bistro.
350 Barlow Moor Rd
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Manchester, M21 8AZ
07810 222123
info@chorltonfireworks.com