29 September 2026

Professional fireworks displays

Des Fulcher, founder of Flash FX Fireworks, a professional firework display company based in Norfolk, explains how creative modern displays can deliver celebration with consideration and shares his tips on what to look for in an organised fireworks event this autumn.

How do you manage different attitudes to fireworks when organising a display?

Bigger and louder isn’t always better. My partner is terrified of loud bangs created by fireworks. We also have dogs who get scared by them, so I understand how animals and people can struggle.
Even though I don’t mind higher decibels, I find lots of huge explosions quite boring to be honest. What interest me, both professionally and personally, are displays that feature visual effects and less aggressive sounds such as whistles, crackles and pops. We also make extra effort to source a wider variety of display products with different colours, shapes and effects which focus on lower noise levels, and we often use these within traditional displays too!

What do you think are the advantages of attending an organised event rather than having fireworks at home?

An organised display is likely to be far bigger and better than people can achieve at home, while also being safer for everyone attending. Many gardens simply aren’t big enough these days to provide the minimum safety distances for retail fireworks and these distances are there for a reason.
A ticketed event will also offer much better value for money. Fireworks aren’t cheap and you can spend a lot of money on private fireworks and still not come close to what you’ll experience at an organised display.

Public events are also designed to bring people together. You can get a really good atmosphere, have other family activities such as food, music and games. Adults can relax and maybe have a drink. Alcohol and letting off fireworks is very bad combination, so leave the firing to people who will all be keeping a completely clear head!
A well-organised, professional display should also help to reduce disturbance to neighbouring animals and people. As part of planning, the company should be assessing risks to ensure a location is suitable for the type of display, or the display is adjusted to take account of the location. Sticking to one, good seasonal event that lots of people can enjoy is generally much less disruptive than lots of unannounced private displays going off at multiple locations on multiple nights.

What advice would you give people when they’re looking for an organised event to attend?

Always look for a well-organised display that is being delivered by a professional company with a good track record for safety. It’s worth looking at their website and checking feedback on previous events they have delivered. As with any sector, not all companies are equal!
It’s a good sign if a company offers a range of displays to accommodate different requirements and who proactively look to reduce the risk of local disturbance. At FlashFX we have worked hard to develop our Wildlife Considered displays that use lower-noise fireworks to deliver a really effective display without the big bangs. These displays are becoming increasingly popular, and many companies are making the most of how far low-noise products have come in recent years.

As a professional, what risk assessments, insurance and planning considerations are involved to put on a fireworks event?

The planning process for any organised public event needs to be very detailed. It should take full consideration of the local area, including the presence of pets, livestock, horses, wildlife and vulnerable people.
The company will need to create a bespoke event management plan and be fully covered by public and professional liability insurance. Depending on the event, we may also need to liaise with local authorities, usually through their Safety Advisory Group.

We also now consider Martyn’s Law in our planning, which will become a statutory requirement in 2027. Although the legislation is specifically designed to combat terrorist threats at public events, it puts safety considerations and contingency planning front and centre of event organisation which brings benefits to everyone.

Have fireworks changed since you started working with them?

Yes, retail fireworks have definitely changed over the nearly 50 years that I have been in the industry. There has been a big increase in the availability and use of 1.3g hazard rated, high powered retail products in the UK. These fireworks contain more explosive powder, so they are generally very big, loud and more disruptive. They are also subject to much stricter transport and storage regulations for retailers because of the higher risks they present.

More recently, compound cakes (two or more high-powered multishot cakes fused together) have evolved into retail products that may contain up to 4 kilos of black powder. Personally, I don’t think there is any place for these fireworks in the UK, they can cause real distress and disruption and tend to appeal to people intent on using fireworks antisocially or illegally. Many of the professional display fireworks actually have a lot less black powder, yet achieve bigger and brighter effects for a more creative, multisensory and accessible experience.

Find out more about Wildlife Considered Fireworks