Competitors revealed for World Fireworks Championship Blackpool

The three nations that will compete in this year’s World Fireworks Championship in Blackpool have been unveiled.

Poland, Finland and the USA will battle it out over the three free events, which will take place on the Tower Festival Headland on Saturday 7 and Saturday 21 September, and Saturday 5 October.

The World Fireworks Championship Blackpool is one of the resort’s most spectacular events, with the firework displays, all synchronised to music, launched from the beach in front of The Blackpool Tower.

This year’s event will open on Saturday 7 September with a display by the team from Nakaja Art in Poland, who have more than 25 years of experience of staging firework displays across Europe and Central America.

They were responsible for the biggest fireworks spectacle in their home country for a Jean Michel Jarre concert in Krakow.

A Nakaja Art team spokesperson said: “It will be an honour to present in Blackpool. We are preparing a pyromusical, the likes of which has never been seen before.”

Week two of the competition, on Saturday 21 September, will see the team from Pyroman Finland Ltd display their artistry. The company, established 20 years ago, is Finland’s leading supplier of pyrotechnics and special effects.

They have staged displays at events across Europe and, earlier this year, produced a major display for the 2024 Eurovision Contest – the tenth time they have been involved in Eurovision.

A spokesperson said: “Events call for a touch of bizarre creativity and a profound understanding of music and events technology. We cannot wait to entertain you!” 

The final display, on Saturday 5 October, will be staged by Great Lakes Fireworks from Michigan in the USA.

The company says it draws its inspiration for its breath-taking displays from the shimmering waters of the Great Lakes in North America.

The company was established in 1992 and has gone on to deliver spellbinding displays across the world.

A Great Lakes Fireworks spokesperson said: “Over the years, we have mastered the alchemy of colour, sound and spectacle, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.”

The events are all free to access with displays starting at approximately 8.30pm.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Firework nights are something very special in the Blackpool calendar and we can’t wait to see what our three new international competitors are planning.

“Judging by the expertise and artistry of the teams participating, I think we can safely say the displays are going to be spectacularly good!”

The three firework displays form an integral part of Blackpool’s major autumn and winter events programme. This includes:

Ride The Lights

One of the most magical nights of the year when, for one night only, the six miles of Promenade will be closed to give cyclists a sneak preview of this year’s Illuminations. Bikes of all shapes and sizes can take advantage of the seafront route in a free family event that is suitable for all ages. The Promenade will be closed to traffic from 6.30pm until 10.30pm on Tuesday 27 August with the Ride The Lights event starting at 7pm and finishing at 10pm.

Illuminations Switch-On

A star-studded night when pop icon Mel B will switch on the 2024 Illuminations display. The Switch-On ceremony, which is a free to access event, will take place on the Tower Festival Headland on the night of Friday 30 August, providing a spectacular finale to a two-hour concert headlined by Ella Henderson and featuring former member of The Pussycat Dolls, Kimberly Wyatt, and Massaoke performed by Rockstar Weekend. It will trigger four months of nightly displays, ending on January 5, 2025.

Lightpool Festival

The award-winning Lightpool Festival returns with an amazing free-to-see programme of light installations, 3D projection shows, art trails, and stunning live performances from October 18-26.

Christmas By The Sea

The Tower Festival Headland will be turned into an outdoor winter wonderland with free skating rink, magic forest, snowfalls, log cabins, festive projection shows and themed rides including the awesome Star Flyer. It opens on November 15 and runs through to January 5, 2025.

Find out more about Blackpool’s free event programme at visitblackpool.com