It’s a commonly held belief that fireworks don’t work in the rain. However, this isn’t strictly true, as with a bit of careful planning you can beat the weather and still put on a fantastic show for your audience.

 

If the great British weather is doing its usual unpredictable thing, even at the height of summer, here are the steps you can take to keep your fireworks event on course and avoid disappointing your audience:

1. Let everyone know what’s going on. If the weather’s bad, people will naturally assume that the display will be cancelled. If you plan to go ahead, you need to let everyone know and work extra hard to market the event to ensure that lots of people turn up. Use all channels available to you, from emailing ticket holders to putting the word out on social media.

2. Provide cover for your audience. This is a crucial thing to provide if you want your spectators to have a good time. No one wants to be standing in the rain staring up at the sky (inevitably getting rain in their eyes), so provide gazebos or other cover to keep everyone dry. Crucially, make sure you mention in your marketing that cover will be provided, as it could make the difference between people showing up and deciding to stay home instead.

3. Store your fireworks somewhere dry. In the run-up to the event, prevent your fireworks getting ruined by damp conditions by storing them somewhere safe and dry. Check them regularly to make sure there are no nasty surprises on the day.

4. Waterproof your fireworks. Its relatively easy, if a little time consuming, to waterproof your fireworks by wrapping them in bags or cling film. Seek some expert advice on this if you’re unsure, and make sure to always keep the fuses dry, especially when ripping off waterproof coverings in order to reach the fuses.

5. Bring extra lighters. Whichever method you’re using to light your fireworks, you’re likely to need at least one spare in damp conditions. Another good tip is to get yourself a head torch, leaving your hands free to handle, position and light the fireworks.

6. Consult an expert. Fireworks professionals like the team at 1st Galaxy Fireworks have lots of experience managing displays in all kinds of conditions, so they’re the ones to turn to if you need expert help overcoming rainy conditions.

When to take rain seriously and cancel your display

In unfortunate some situations, you have to admit defeat and take action for the safety of your team and your guests. When the rain is really heavy, the site is flooded or your team can’t properly see what they’re doing due to the conditions, it’s time to cancel your event. As spectacular as your display was bound to be, it just isn’t worth risking the safety of everyone involved. Wait for a dryer day and then try again.