The Welsh National Firework Championships 2007
an inside view by event organiser Kevin Minton
Last year’s 10th Anniversary Champion of Champions British Firework Championships in Plymouth was a tremendous success, with Jubilee Fireworks claiming the ultimate title by beating seven other firework companies, all of whom were previous Plymouth winners.
As if that wasn’t enough, 2006 also saw a new Guinness World Record of 56,645 rockets fired simultaneously achieved by Professor Roy Lowry of the University of Plymouth (fired by Fantastic Fireworks), which attracted worldwide media coverage, including in Russia and Australia.
When the time came to consider how to build on this great success, the idea of running regional heats, with the winners of each qualifying for Plymouth, was decided upon. Venues were considered and options discussed. For 2007 it was decided to run two separate heats; at Chepstow Racecourse in south Wales and Perth Racecourse in Scotland. Racecourses were chosen because they have the infrastructure already in place for this type of event, as well as a large area in the centre of the course to allow enough distance to be entirely safe for fireworks.
Of course there were a few last minute hitches but on Saturday night (5th May) the first Welsh National Firework Championships at Chepstow Racecourse (not far from the TESA office) became a reality in front of more than 3,000 people.
Since last August, meetings, telephone calls and emails had filled most working days (and many sleepless nights!) as arrangements were put in place for the event, probably the biggest firework show ever seen in south Wales. Three Welsh firework companies, outside caterers, a fairground operator, as well as media contacts were all made as arrangements moved on apace.
To maximise the potential of the event, it was decided to incorporate live music and a series of meetings with Cardiff-based Red Dragon FM were held to discuss possibilities. The outcome was that no fewer than five live bands appeared on stage during the evening, including ex-Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable’s new band Killing for Company.
Jonathon Poyner and his team at Chepstow Racecourse were more than helpful, giving sound advice on what could, or couldn’t be done. This can be encapsulated thus, “Do anything you like, except don’t stray onto the track, and try not to set light to any of the jumps because we’ve got a race meeting on Tuesday!”
In the weeks before the event, banners, signs and posters were ordered and erected (one of the banners was later stolen from railings in the centre of Chepstow!), programmes were prepared and passes for staff and traders made. The dreaded risk assessments were completed and everything was ready to go.
The judging of firework displays is very subjective, so Bill Davis and Mike Richmond, both of whom have many years of experience in the pyrotechnic industry were appointed, together with local lay judges, under the expert guidance of Adjudicator Dr Tom Smith.
The three firework companies (Westcoast Fireworks from Narberth, Celebration Fireworks from Llantwit Major and Pendragon Fireworks from Cwmcarn) didn’t disappoint with three excellent 10 minute displays. Pendragon Fireworks were the winners, and a smiling Jon Mellen was presented with the winner’s trophy by local MP David Davies. The audience responded with lots of enthusiastic applause which for an event organiser is what makes all the hours of hard work worthwhile.
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