Fireworks are a staple of celebration in the UK. Bonfire Night and New Year's Eve, wedding events, gender reveals and even birthdays, there is certainly a firework for every event! But with so many types available, it can be hard to navigate the firework landscape. We've put together a helpful guide to the different types of fireworks you can buy from retailers in the United Kingdom.
1. Rockets 🚀
The classic crowd-pleaser. Rockets are possibly the UK's most popular type of firework and for good reason. Rockets fly high before exploding and producing a very loud bang and burst of colour into the night sky! Rockets come in different shapes and sizes and can produce various effects and colours.
One of the main things to look at when buying fireworks is NEC content and Hazard Class. Legally, a rocket produced for the United Kingdom can only contain up to 180g of net explosive per rocket, so if you are looking for the biggest boom and highest flyers, rockets that are right on the limit are the ones to have. Hazard class also, 1.3g class rockets will pack more punch than 1.4g rockets due to the higher content of flash powder.
Key Features of Rockets:
- Very loud bangs and high altitude
- Various effects and colours
- Easy to use with a single fuse and launch
Examples of Top Preforming Rockets:
- Invaders By Celtic Fireworks - (30g NEC Per Rocket)
- Reapers By Vivid Pyrotechnics - (68g NEC Per Rocket)
- Harpoon Rockets By Kimbolton Fireworks - (140g NEC Per Rocket)
- VSR4 By Vivid Pyrotechnics - (180g NEC Per Rocket)
- The King Reborn By Brothers Pyrotechnics - (180g NEC Per Rocket)
2. Cakes and Barrages 🎆
Cakes or Barrages are pre-loaded fireworks that contain multiple tubes or shots that fire one after the other. They are a fan favourite as they are super easy to set up and use, just simply lighting one fuse will make you look like a pro!
A cake or barrage is not quite like a single ignition display, but you may find that they are refereed to as the same thing due to their single fuse.
Same again with any firework you will find that the 1.3g hazard class fireworks are more powerful than 1.4g hazard class fireworks. Legally any single barrage can contain up to 1kg of NEC.
You can use cakes and barrages to add powerful fireworks to any display and some even to top off displays when used as a finale!
Key Features of cakes and barrages:
- Multiple shots from one tube
- Easy and simple to set up and use
- Great for adding to a display or using as a finale
Examples of Top Preforming Cakes & Barrages:
- Dong Ding By Celtic Fireworks (16 Shots, 196.8g NEC)
- Russian Roulette By Primed Pyrotechnics (19 Shots, 266g NEC)
- Freak By Vivid Pyrotechnics (36 Shots, 864g NEC)
- Mish Mash By Celtic Fireworks (100 Shots, 770g NEC)
- Ten Out Of Ten By Celtic Fireworks (100 Shots, 1000g NEC)
3. Single Ignition Displays (SIDs)/Compound Fireworks 🔥
If you are looking for something thats sure to impress, Single ignition displays are a game changer. Also know as a 'Display in a box' SIDs fire a sequence of shots from just one fuse, offering more variety and effects than just a regular cake. Their duration is usually longer due to their size and sequencing giving you more for your money without compromising on quality.
Single ignition displays can be made up of multiple barrages all pre-fused together known as Compound Fireworks. This means that their total NEC can be up much higher up to 4kg in the United Kingdom.
We personally love Single Ignition Display and compound fireworks as they are a culmination of everything a firework fan loves about the industry. A carefully thought-out sequence igniting different metal oxides mixed together to produce a sensory spectacle both visual and auditory!
Key Features Of SIDs:
- Very easy to set up and light - with one fuse.
- Combines different firing patterns, sequences and tube sizes all in one.
- Great for finales or adding visual spectacle to your display!
Examples of Top Preforming Single Ignition Displays:
- Loose Cannon By Vivid Pyrotechnics (57 Shots, 411g NEC, 50s Duration)
- Mad Box By Gemstone Fireworks (100 Shots 969g NEC, 1m20s Duration)
- Velocity By Vivid Pyrotechnics (224 Shots, 1.9kg NEC, 56s Duration)
- W.T.F! By Vivid Pyrotechnics (512 Shots, 3.9kg NEC, 3m40s Duration)
- El Loco By Vivid Pyrotechnics (268 Shots, 3.8kg NEC, 1m50s Duration)
4. Selection Boxes & Barrage Boxes🎇
If you’re new to fireworks or are after a variety of different fireworks without breaking the bank, selection or barrage boxes are the perfect choice.
Selection Boxes:
Selection boxes contain an assortment of smaller fireworks, including fountains, rockets, mini multi shot cakes and Roman candles. You may not find anything super spectacular in these boxes, but they will offer you great variety and value for money. They are ideal for small gardens or families with young children.
Key Features:
- Affordable and great variety
- Perfect for beginners
- Great for small gardens or families with young children.
Examples of Top Preforming Selection Boxes:
- Fiesta Selection Box By Jonathans Fireworks (12 Fireworks, 239g NEC)
- GALA Selection Box By Jonathans Fireworks (19 Fireworks, 655g NEC)
- Masquerade Selection Box By Jonathans Fireworks (23 Fireworks, 823g NEC)
- SHINDIG Selection Box By Jonathans Fireworks (28 Fireworks, 1.45kg NEC)
Barrage Boxes:
Barrage boxes are like the 'adult selection boxes' offering you less fizzle and more bang! Barrage boxes contain barrages (who would have guessed!) and are fantastic for adding to displays which need bulking out a bit without compromising on quality. Barrage boxes usually contain less actual fireworks but much better quality multi shot cakes which will keep everyone entertained.
Key Features:
- Only features larger aerial burst fireworks
- Contains a greater NEC than selection boxes
- Get better value on bigger fireworks
Examples of Top Preforming Barrage Boxes:
- Ultra Pro Cake Selection Box By Vivid Pyrotechnics (6 Fireworks, 16 shots each)
- Legends Assortment By Vivid Pyrotechnics (3 Fireworks, 63 shots each
- The Asylum By Vivid Pyrotechnics (9 Fireworks, Various shot quantities)
5. Fountains ✨
Fountains are a great way to add variation to your display! Whilst your shot cakes are flying high, fountains remain on the ground emitting a shower of coloured sparks, crackles and sometimes even whistles. Fountains are more tame than others making them perfect for family friendly displays, creating beautiful visuals without loud bangs.
Key Features:
- Low noise levels
- Long-lasting, cascading effects
- Great for smaller gardens
Examples of Top Preforming Fountains:
- Goldy Locks By Vivid Pyrotechnics (200g NEC)
- Glacier Rising By Celtic Fireworks (190g NEC)
- The Astronomer By Celtic Fireworks (300g NEC)
6. Catherine Wheels 🎡
Catherine wheels are best pinned to a post of a fence and spin rapidly when ignited. They create hypnotic spirals of sparks and light and are one of the most traditional fireworks to use.
Key Features:
- Best pinned to a post and creates a spinning spiral of sparks.
- Small, compact, and easy to set up
- Adds great variety to your display
Examples of Top Preforming Fountains:
- Super Spinners By Celtic Fireworks
7. Sparklers ✨
Sparklers are a must have for any fireworks display. Getting hands on with pyrotechnics can be easy and safe with sparklers. The bigger the better with these ones as the handles tend to be longer on larger sparklers making them safer to hold. These are loved by both kids and adults, sparklers add an interactive element to your celebration and are a great way to get everyone involved.
New versions of these include Magic Wands in which instead of burning like a traditional sparkler, they will burn a bright flame and emit a shower of sparks from the tip!
Key Features:
- Safe to use when handled responsibly
- Available in various colours and lengths
- Perfect for using for photos and smaller gatherings
Examples of Top Preforming Sparklers:
- 18" Gold Sparklers By Vivid Pyrotechnics
- Magic Wands By Evolution Fireworks
8. Roman Candles 🌟
Roman Candles are one of the most traditional types of fireworks. These cylindrical tubes emit long strings of light, stars of crackling effects with no bangs! They are a great way of adding variety and colour to displays whilst retaining some height! They are often used in choreographed displays for rhythm or lower down effects.
Key Features:
- Available in single-shot or multi-shot versions.
- Mid-range height and low to moderate noise levels
- Great for choreographed displays
Examples of Top Preforming Roman Candles:
- Hong Kong Candles By Celtic Fireworks (10 shots each, 68g NEC)
- Bam, Wap & Boogie 56 shot Roman Candles by Celtic Fireworks (56 Shots, 140g NEC)
- Obelisk By Kimbolton Fireworks (300 Shot, 516g NEC)
9. Quiet Fireworks 🐾
Not all fireworks need to be loud! Quiet fireworks have been specially designed to still provide you with some pyro-madness, minus the noise! There is still a bit of noise as the effects are being sent up into the sky however the actual effect in the sky makes minimal noise with no loud bang like traditional fireworks.
These are becoming increasingly popular for events where there may be pets, children or noise restrictions which need to be considered.
Key Features:
- Pet (and neighbour) friendly
- More emphasis on vibrant visuals
- Perfect for quieter celebrations!
Examples of Top Preforming Sparklers:
- Colourful Crossette By Celtic Fireworks
- Pegasus Flight By Kimbolton Fireworks
- Guilty Pleasure By Celtic Fireworks
- Silent But Deadly By Celtic Fireworks
Time Create Your Perfect Display!
Whether you’re planning a quiet family night or a large-scale celebration, you can find a wide range of different firework types available within the UK. And of course from Elite Fireworks.
From sparkling fountains to loud and explosive rockets, there's no shortage of ways to make your event memorable! If you need expert advice on creating your perfect fireworks display, get in touch with on 07985 721 644 or browse our website and watch hundreds of videos of premium fireworks from our range!
🎆 What’s your go-to firework? Let us know in the comments! 🎇