August blows us out of the water!

A professional firework company should always be prepared for any eventuality. In a rubbish summer like the one we’re experiencing this year rain and wind are just some of the hazards we’re ready for. But high seas and foaming waves are not something we’re used to and this is where accurate weather forecasts are invaluable.

Paignton Regatta fireworks produced some stunning images like this

Our show at this year’s Paignton Regatta was due to take place on a barge and the outlook was not good. Lashing rain and gusting winds were forecast days in advance of the show. Thanks to good forward planning we had already put a contingency plan in place with the Regatta organisers. If the forecast stayed on track until midday the day before we would postpone the display until the following day when better weather was due.

Come the day, with no change in the outlook the decision was made to postpone. The 24-hour window enabled organisers to inform members of the public about the change of plan in good time – and we were able to save our firing crew a wasted journey.

The following day was a complete contrast to the driving rain and strong winds of the day before. Our team were able to load the barge in a calm Paignton harbour and at 8pm it was towed out to the seafront.

Our pyrotechnicians established a wireless link to the computerised firing system on the barge and fired the display remotely from the tug stationed nearby.

The 12-minute show drew a big round of applause and organisers told us they had received many compliments including one who said it was even better than Blackpool!