With fireworks available to buy online and from many different retail stores, it’s never been easier to plan your own fireworks display. Contrary to popular belief however, running a fireworks display safely isn’t as simple as lighting the fuse and standing back to watch, nor is it easy to create a well-paced, creatively and beautifully designed series of effects. All of this requires skill, training and experience. What’s more, not all categories of fireworks are suitable for use by untrained individuals.

If you want to run a fireworks event for the public, or hold a professional-standard display at any level, then you’re going to need to do your homework.

Here are the essentials that any ‘senior firer’, as it is known in the industry, should know about:

• Basic firework chemistry and types of fireworks – you need to understand how fireworks work and how they create the effects they do. An understanding of the chemistry of fireworks and how they are made is needed, as is knowledge of the different categories of fireworks available for sale in the UK.
• Firework effects – learning about all of the different firework effects and aerial patterns, from bursts and barrages to chrysanthemums and crackles, is essential if you want to put together an aesthetically impressive display.
• Storing and transporting fireworks – including how to keep fireworks secure and dry and away from flammable or explosive materials, as well as basic tips on transporting fireworks safely.
• Rigging techniques – there are many different methods you can use to set up your fireworks before firing (particularly in challenging conditions such as wet weather), and many things that can go wrong if you don’t know what you’re doing. A knowledge of the most common techniques and how to execute them confidently is essential.
• Site design – the layout of your site can make a huge difference to how safe and successful the event is, and you need to learn everything from how large a distance to leave between the firing and spectator zones to the right signage to use
• Firing methods – just like with rigging, there are lots of different firing techniques, and it’s crucial to learn how to manage this potentially dangerous part of the display like an expert
• Fallout considerations – what goes up must come down, and you need to learn how to reduce the risk that your fireworks cause harm or damage when they fall. This involves planning your site out carefully so as to leave an adequate ‘fallout’ zone.
• Disposal – every display manager needs to know how to dispose of used fireworks safely and responsibly. This is just as important as firing the fireworks, as it affects the reputation of the event as well as the safety of all involved.

Fireworks experts such as 1^st Galaxy Fireworks provide comprehensive training for those wanting to become a ‘firer’ or ‘senior firer’, covering all of the above essentials along with practical experience, tips and support at every step of the process.