British Firework Championships 2023
British Firework Championships: Every year Britain’s Ocean City proudly hosts the British Fireworks Championships. Crowds head to Plymouth Hoe to watch as 6 pyrotechnic companies compete to see who will take home the coveted title of British Firework Champion.
When and where do The British Firework Championships take place?
This year the Championship will take place on Wednesday 16th August and Thursday 17trh August. The competitors will fire their firework displays on the Mountbatten breakwater. directly opposite the Royal Citadel.
Each evening three fireworks companies will showcase their displays at 9.30pm, 9.50pm and 10.10pm.
Where’s the best place to watch the fireworks?
The fireworks will be on the Mount Batten peninsula so there are loads of great spots where you can see all the displays. If you want to feel the buzz of the crowds then get to the Hoe, you’ll also be able to hear all the DJ sets which will start from 5pm. There is a fairground, chill out zone,
If you don’t like crowds and plan in advance you can get tickets for the public spectator boat which takes you out on the water so you’ll get an amazing view. The Plymouth Princess doesn’t have any onboard facilities but they do take passengers bask to shore for regular comfort breaks.
We’re going to The Royal William Yard to watch it this year as I’ve promised the boys a Wagamamas first, it’s a late night but we’re very excited about it, especially as the forcast isn’t looking too shabby.
A Day in Plymouth finishing with Fireworks
You could always make a real day of it. If you fancy a bit of culture then the new Box Museum is open, it’s a fantastic new addition to the city. As well as all the brilliant figureheads from old ships there is some good artworks – Joshua Reynolds was a Plymothian – and a great little film showing all the shipwrecks in Plymouth Harbour, absolutely fascinating! The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I is currently on loan from Woburn Abbey and it was lovely to see it in the flesh, such the most iconic portrait of the virgin queen. They’ve currently got a Rana Begum exhibition that I’m hoping to squeeze in before the fireworks.
Good for the If you fancy a bit of nature the National Marine Aquarium is good value, and great for younger kids, mine used to love it. Your ticket will give you access for 12 months so you’ll be able to use it every time you come back to Anchor Cottage! Just remember to pop to Customer Services and get it validated before you leave. There’s a picnic area where you can bring your own food but we used to treat the kids to fish and chips from Rockfish the Mitch Tonks restaurant, which is just nextdoor, theirs is free as long as the adults pay for a main meal.
Something fun for the kids
If you’ve not got the kids a tour of the Plymouth Gin Distillery is highly recommended. The distillery is housed in the Refractory Room of Black Friar’s which is one of the oldest buildings in Plymouth. It’s the perfect setting for trying some Devonian cocktails. Apparently officers in the British Navy didn’t want to drink rum with the rest of the crew so took Plymouth Gin with them and introduced gin to the British colonies.
Another spot extremely high on my to-do list is The HonkyTonk Wine Library. Their wine list and sharing board looks incredibly tempting, they also do a Sundowner once a month, I’ll keep you posted….
Back to the Fireworks
If you do end up sipping wine in Sutton Harbour you can always get the ferry back to Royal William Yard for the fireworks, you can just grab it from the Barbican. Fireworks start at 9.30pm and they’ll crown the winner of the British Fireworks Championships at 11pm.
Leave A Comment