The British Firework Championships return to Plymouth Hoe on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August 2026, with two free evenings of displays over Plymouth Sound.
The event site opens from 2pm each day, live music and entertainment begin from 5pm, and the competing firework displays are scheduled for 9.30pm, 9.50pm and 10.10pm on both nights. Plymouth City Council says the event is free to attend and is aimed at residents, visitors and families.
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Event | British Firework Championships |
| Dates | Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August 2026 |
| Venue | Plymouth Hoe |
| Event site opens | 2pm each day |
| Main stage entertainment | From 5pm |
| Firework display times | 9.30pm, 9.50pm and 10.10pm each night |
| Cost | Free to attend |
| Best viewing named by source | Plymouth Hoe and along Hoe Road |
Six displays over Plymouth Sound
Six of the UK’s leading pyrotechnic companies will compete across the two evenings, with three competitors performing each night. Each display is due to last 10 minutes as companies compete to be named the 2026 British Firework Champion.
The displays will be launched from Mount Batten Breakwater and viewed across Plymouth Sound. Plymouth Hoe and Hoe Road are named by the council as among the best places to watch.
The Championships first launched in 1997 and have grown into one of Plymouth’s flagship summer events. The council says the event attracts more than 100,000 spectators to Britain’s Ocean City each summer.
The Hoe opens early for families and food
The event is not limited to the evening displays. Plymouth Hoe will host fairground rides, family attractions and a wide range of food and drink from 2pm on both days.
Live music and entertainment on the main stage will begin from 5pm, giving visitors several hours on site before the fireworks start after dark. The council is encouraging visitors to arrive early to secure a viewing spot and make the most of the entertainment programme.
Sponsors and judging panels confirmed
Associated British Ports will continue supporting the event for a third year and is joined by Zero USV as joint sponsor for 2026.
Ashley Curnow, Divisional Port Manager for Wales and the Southwest at Associated British Ports, said the company was proud to continue supporting an event that brings communities together and showcases Plymouth.
Matthew Ratsey, Managing Director at ZeroUSV, said the company was proud to support the Championships in Plymouth on Wednesday 12 August, which will also be the day it names its new Oceanus17 USV from its base at Turnchapel Wharf.
Councillor Matt Smith, Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Events, said the Championships are a highlight of the city’s events calendar and bring a boost to the visitor economy.
Young People’s Choice Award returns
The Young People’s Choice Award will return for a fourth year, now supported by Foster for Plymouth.
The award gives care-experienced young people the opportunity to judge the displays and choose their favourite. Their choice sits alongside the professional and community judging panels.
What to do before setting off
The confirmed public details are simple: the British Firework Championships are free, take place at Plymouth Hoe, and run across Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August 2026.
Visitors should plan around the evening display times of 9.30pm, 9.50pm and 10.10pm, with the event site open from 2pm and main stage entertainment from 5pm. Plymouth City Council says updates, travel information and accessibility information will be provided through the event information for the British Firework Championships on Visit Plymouth.
Source: Plymouth City Council
Source check Source trail
This preview is based on Plymouth City Council’s published event notice and uses only the confirmed dates, times, venue and programme details provided there.
- Confirmed the event dates as Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August 2026.
- Checked the free entry status and venue as Plymouth Hoe.
- Matched the display times to 9.30pm, 9.50pm and 10.10pm each night.
- Kept travel and accessibility details limited to the source’s note that updates will be pr...
- Source
- Plymouth City Council
- Scope
- Plymouth
- Updated
- 2026-06-30 11:08
Source check
Report a trust issue
Send a clear signal to community moderation if the source, facts or context need review.
Comments