Firework championships light up city sky

Three pyrotechnic companies began the battle for the winner's title at the British Firework Championships

The event, which has been running annually since 1997, returned for another year on Wednesday in Plymouth.

The championships have become a signature event both for the UK firework industry and Plymouth, attracting global media coverage and visitors.

A further three firms are set to compete on Thursday. Jim Winship, from the Event Services Association which runs the event, said the first night had been "brilliant".

He said: "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."

SelStar Fireworks, of Selsey in West Sussex, won in 2025 and said it meant "the world" to have defended its "champion of champions" title, having previously won in 2019.

On Wednesday Electricity Fireworks, Smart Pyrotechnics and G2 Fireworks performed.

Organisers said concerns about fireworks causing wildfires, with a number of blazes breaking out across Devon and Cornwall recently, were low risk as they were being set off from the breakwater.

Winship said: "It would take an exceptional firework to actually reach any dry grass or dry land."

He said precautions had been put in place with the fire service, adding: "So we're fairly confident we won't cause any fires anywhere."

Sally Everton, from Visit Devon, said the event - with a theme this year based around the changing seasons, was vital to the city.

She said: "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."

The Nemisis Pyrotechnics, AJ Pyrotechnics and The Fireworkers will compete on Thursday night at 21:30 BST, 21:50 and 22:10.

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.