Dazzle your guests with a touch of sparkle

Fireworks are a spectacular ingredient to bring the real ‘wow’ factor to an event, whether a grand opening, corporate celebration or charity fundraiser.

But, by the very nature of such a crowd-pulling attraction, there’s a lot riding on whether it turns out to be a dazzling extravaganza or a disappointing anti-climax.

Depending on your budget and the type of show you are looking for, a professional operator may well be the wisest choice – and is essential if you want to use more powerful (category 4) fireworks.

When selecting a fireworks display company, as well as ensuring they have the relevant safety certification and liability insurance, do your research to assess their reputation.

And, if you’re looking for a hi-tech spectacle incorporating lasers, music and special effects, make sure they are equipped to deliver what you have in mind.

Whether you use a professional company or operate the fireworks display yourself, here are some key things to consider.

Site

Check the site is suitable. It needs to be large enough to accommodate the display and your guests, with a safe buffer zone between the pyrotechnics and spectators. There must be good access, no obstructions such as overhead power lines and a relatively level, grassy area to secure the fireworks.

As well as having to factor in the likely weather conditions, think about the prevailing wind direction and what would happen if it changes on the day.

You should also draw up a site plan showing the location of the fireworks, safety zone, spectating area, access points, parking and other facilities.

Safety

Explosives demand respect, so make sure you observe all the necessary regulations to keep you, your staff, suppliers, guests and the general public safe.

Ensure the site and firework operators are covered by the appropriate certification and insurance. If handling the display yourself, source the fireworks from a reputable supplier and store them safely.

Once the fireworks are set up and checked, don’t allow anyone into the launch area apart from the display operator or launching team.

Notify

Check who might need to be notified about the display. If it is going to be quite substantial, you should contact the local authority and emergency services – particularly the fire brigade.

Depending on the venue, it’s a good idea to let neighbours know what’s going on, including nearby landowners, farmers, residents and businesses.

If you’re planning on having a musical soundtrack for your event, investigate the legalities as you may need to get a special music licence.

Detail

When planning the actual display, really think through the kind of impact you want to have. Consider the type, strength, number and duration of fireworks that would work best – a smaller number of hugely awe-inspiring effects or a longer but more modest affair.

Make the most of the wide range of pyrotechnics out there. Build variety into the show with a mixture of rockets, comets, spirals, fountains, wheels and waterfalls.

Decide how you want the display to flow – a slow build-up to the glittering finale or setting the tone by starting with a huge bang?

Staff

Consider how many staff you will need, their roles and responsibilities – setting up and operating the fireworks, managing access, stewarding and clearing up the site after the event.

Make sure members of the firework team are appropriately equipped with the necessary protective safety gear and, ideally, two-way radios to help things run smoothly.

Organise first aid support for the event and signpost these facilities, just in case of medical emergencies or accidents.

Emergencies

Have a detailed plan in place so everyone involved with your event knows what to do if anything goes wrong.

Identify who will be responsible for alerting the emergency services, decide how people and vehicles will get into and out of the site, clearly mark and light exit routes, and establish where emergency vehicles can access the venue.

Communicate your emergency plan to all members of your staff team and any contractors, including the professional display operator if you are using one to launch the fireworks.