UK Consumer Fireworks Competition 2007

[meggsy]

Hi all, Big Topic here...much to see....

Here are some movies and pics from the 21st April 2007 of the competition I organise here in the UK each year 'St George Re-Loaded'. This is a free event, so everything you see here was either paid for by the competitors or provided for free by some of the pro-displays companies who I work with, these are people who have a real passion for fireworks and its incredibly kind of them; and as it’s a free event it’s a good time to relax ,catch up with people, try some new things out and just enjoy ourselves and not have clients to worry about.

The competition this year allowed the teams in the competition to use £500 worth of consumer fireworks (730 Euros or $860 at current exchange rates) fired only using recognised ignition methods available to the public. No professional fireworks are used in the competition (its fair to point out that a lot of the competitors are professional firers). Its shows what you can do with consumer fireworks, if you know what your doing, which was the whole point of the competition when I started it.

I have two views of each of the competition displays here, thanks to Glen (The Joker) from Fantazia Fireworks for his movies of displays….The photo's were taken by Daftdaze and big thanks to him for his help on the day having flown in from Ireland.

The second movie view is the brilliant headcam footage from Crazedmonkey which he had it on his head all night...thanks Phil!!!...…..

The first team….

1. Probably the Best Fireworks Team in the Competition Ever

http://www.jokerspyro.co.uk/hosting/ptbtitwe.wmv

This one filmed by Monkey as one of the teams members

http://www.philsballoons.co.uk/stuff/video/SGD07/PTBFTITCE.wmv

2. The Bouncing Bangers

http://www.jokerspyro.co.uk/hosting/bouncing.wmv

http://www.philsballoons.co.uk/stuff/video/SGD07/Bouncing%20Bangers.wmv

3. Bangers & Mash

http://www.jokerspyro.co.uk/hosting/mash.wmv

http://www.philsballoons.co.uk/stuff/video/SGD07/Bangers%20&%20Mash.wmv

4. The Newsbox Toyboys

http://www.jokerspyro.co.uk/hosting/newsbox.wmv

http://www.philsballoons.co.uk/stuff/video/SGD07/Newsbox%20Toyboys.wmv


Well done to the winners 'Bangers & Mash' and the 2nd place team PTBFTITCE


We also had a stab at firing our own little Mascleta Nocturna…. was nothing compared to the Spanish boys & girls of course, but we enjoyed trying …. Thanks to the companies that supplied us the masclets and salutes (we had 2 x 6” (150mm) and 12 4" (100mm) Spanish Salutes in there see if you can pick them out +the many many other salutes of varying sizes) and all those who contributed various cakes and anything else that went bang…. Here is Crazedmonkeys view taken from where we were firing the displays from......the audience were upwind sadly so the film from there was not great.

Myself and Gandalf consider how loud they might be

Here I am deciding whether I should support the strings during the display


http://www.philsballoons.co.uk/stuff/video/SGD07/Mascleta.wmv


Two professional companies provided displays on the night the main display was fired by 'MLE Pyrotechnics' the 2005 British Champions.

The middle setup of the display starts coming together....

The display from two angles

http://www.jokerspyro.co.uk/hosting/mle.wmv

http://www.philsballoons.co.uk/stuff/video/SGD07/MLE%20Pyrotechnics.wmv


Our own Madbob (AKA Flash) doing his stuff his company Flashpoint Fireworks with Land of Hope and Glory…. The final explosion is created by a special effects company ‘The FX Forge’ Thanks to them for the explosions to finish the night off…..

Madbod in the background there rigging away……

Madbob pyrotechnician and designer of Freakpyromaniac Fallas T Shirts

http://www.jokerspyro.co.uk/hosting/finale.wmv

http://www.philsballoons.co.uk/stuff/video/SGD07/Flashpoint%20Fireworks.wmv


Thanks to everyone involved….my only hope each year has been that everyone walks away safely. Which everyone did ;-)

as you can see it wasn't stressful for me at all

Hope you enjoy all the movies

I hope to be able to post some higher qulaity movies of the event as they come in....

 

[Moontan]

Thank you so muche Meggsy for opening this great thread.
Very interestering information you give us.
Great video,s you let show.
Unbelievable what is possible with consumer fieworks.
As specially the winner.
Beautifull Meggsy. Thanks again.


:blink1: :blink1:

 

[GMP82]

Great movies to watch, many thanks for that.

The "mascleta" is not to compare with Fallas, but it truly is chaos, hehe. Unfortunately, so is the filming. But despite that, great to watch.

I'll soon watch the rest

 

[Firespree]

Amazing footage you got here meggsy really amazing!!!
Ive enjoyed all the teams in the competition and especially the on-field footage was great thanks for that hope to see that again (maybe) next year!
And the Mascleta was just wonderfull NOISE in its purest form GREAT!!!
Couldnt really make out the 6inch salutes cause of all of the whistles and bangs all through my room :nuts:
But I can imagine how they must have sounded I can make out in the conversation just moments before that the 6inchers go with the mines but still they are hard to make out...:smile1:
And also the proffesional display was just great!! Nice to see the proffesionals at work
And a finale like it should be loud!!! And beautifull one shot candles
Love it THANKS!
:nuts: Firespree

 

[Vavoom]

Really loved the headcam-thingy.

Your first (?) attempt to a Mascletá was loud and havoc. That's the least I can say. Must have been impressive. Did I see it correctly that some pyros took some extra steps back during the Mascletá? Possibly because one banger flew away and landed closely?

 

[meggsy]

Hi Vavoom...

No nothing flew towards us, I think some realised they may have been standing just a bit too close. :laugh:

Really pleased people are enjoying the movies....

:bigsmile:

 

[meggsy]

Here is Daftdaze video from the front of our (I emphasise) 'attempt' at a mascleta...it is a bit smokey....I am sure he won't mind me posting the link.....

http://www.viva-lasfallas.co.uk/Woodmans-2007-Mascleta.wmv

Enjoy

 

[GMP82]

I absolutely love the last movie. Gives a better view than the onfield movie (but the onfield movie is great because the distance )

Great attempt

 

[Vavoom]

Hi Vavoom...

No nothing flew towards us, I think some realised they may have been standing just a bit too close. :laugh:

Really pleased people are enjoying the movies....

:bigsmile:

In that case it's just as I originally thought.
They were just standing too close for comfort.

But where did the salute with titanium sparks in the bottom left corner come from after 48 seconds?

 

[reb]

From someone who would love to have been there, thank you for the vids :bigsmile:

Fantastic stuff Meggsy !!

we shall definately try to get along next year!

the videos are great, and its nice to see how big the event is getting ( cat4 as well now eh ).

all the best for the future
regards
Reb

 

[meggsy]

Thanks Reb hope you can get along :blink1: ....we have always had Cat 4 :smile: as you said it just got bigger.....

:blink1:

 

[Moontan]

Hi Meggsy. Still going strong?
Do you think there is a possibility to take part of the competition with one of more Dutch teams in 2008?
And when ever you have time can you tell us something more about the rules?
Thank you so far.

Regards

Fred

 

[meggsy]

I must make it clear that I am calling it a day as far as organising the competition is concerned, but I know others are thinking of taking it over and I will be part of the organising committee....its just become too big for one man as the picture of my pain shows :laugh:

Here are .......THE RULES 2007

1. Each Team is to fire a pyrotechnic display of at least 4 minutes duration, the display to last no longer than 5 minutes using Category 2 & Category 3 Fireworks only. All fireworks used, must have been ‘available’ for purchase by the general public on or before the 5th November 2006 (including web sales).
2. The maximum cost of the pyrotechnics to be used must not exceed £500. The £500 must be calculated using the Recommended Retail Price of the Manufacturer/Distributor for each individual firework used, as of the 5th November 2006. (i)
3. This is a private event attendance is by invite only.
4. The Event Organiser accepts no responsibility or any liability for Injury arising out of a Competitors decision to participate in the competition.
5. A Competitor should only enter and intend to take part in the competition with the understanding that it is at their own risk. A competitor should not participate unless they are both physically and mentally competent to compete. Furthermore, the Competitor will agree that the Event Organiser will in no way be held responsible for any injury, loss or illness incurred to their person or their property during or as a result of the event.
6. The Event Organiser reserves the right to amend the format, change the date or cancel the Event. The Event Organiser will only exercise these rights due to circumstances beyond their control.
7. The winner will be decided by a panel of judges assigned to the task by ‘The Event Organiser.’ The Judging Criteria will be decided upon by the Event Organiser and the assigned ‘Referee’s’ (See Para 16). (ii)
8. Each team can use musical accompaniment to their display, however the use of music with explicit lyrics is forbidden.
9. The modification of fuses is forbidden.
10. The use of Plastic Ignition Cord, Black Match, Quick Match, Tape Match, (Unapproved) Electronic Igniters or Visco is forbidden.
11. Each Team will be allowed to use one ‘Bright-Spark Firing System’ consisting of 5 cues only (any technical conflicts between systems will have to be checked by the Teams on the day of the event).
12. Full Personal Protection Equipment is to be worn by all firer’s - this MUST include Suitable Footwear, Gloves, Hard Hat, Face/Eye Protection, Ear Protection and Fireproof Overalls .
12. Each firer must use a ‘recognised’ method of ignition such as Pyrotechnic Portfire, a Gas Blowtorch or one ‘Brightspark Firing System’ (See Above) (No Cigarettes or Lighters) the referee’s decision will be final.
13. Any ‘Set Piece’ construction should be referred to the Event Organiser or a Referee prior to construction. Full details, plans and method of intended firing must be forwarded to the event organiser or Referee for consideration prior to consent being given (iii)
14. The use of individual large Cat 3 rockets is now prohibited, however packs of Cat 2 rockets and Rocket Volleys is allowed, any rockets fired must be fired from racks deemed fit for the purpose by the referee’s and must be angled away from the crowd line. If the wind on the day is deemed to be too strong then the Event Organiser reserves the right to ask any team to remove rockets from their display. (Teams using rockets are advised to bring spare cakes of an equivalent value).
15. All cakes and other free standing fireworks must be staked and secured by means of tape, wire or cable ties. A referee will advise a team on the day if they feel that the securing of any pyrotechnic device is in their view inadequate.
16. Any team member, who in the opinion of the 'Event Organiser' or a referee is intoxicated to such a level prior to firing that is compromises their safety, will be politely asked not to fire with their team.
17. All firers must be over 18.
18. Each team will have a professional firer assigned to either compete with or to have acting in an advisory capacity. (iv)
19. There will be three referee’s for the competition Steve (Meggsy) Jacobs and Jason (Flash) Mayes and Stuart (Starsky72) Hutcheson. (v)
20. Each team must provide the referees with a full ‘Firing List’ by the 1st March 2007. The referees will then determine the cost of the display based on the ‘Firing List’ and check the content of the display on the day against the ‘Firing List’ provided. In addition all teams must submit the music to be used by the 1st March 2007(vi).
21. Each team will be provided an appropriate ‘Firing Area,’ the position on the field (Front to Back) will be drawn by lots in advance. The shape of each ‘Firing Area’ will be determined by the team’s requirements. (vii)
22. There will be a delay of approx 5 minutes between each display whilst the team firing vacates their area and the next team takes up their position.
23. No team member will be allowed in ‘their’ designated ‘Firing Area’ during the duration of the display of any other teams participating.
24. Teams will have a designated ‘Holding Area’ assigned to them whilst they wait to fire.
25. Each team is to provide a CD of any music to be used edited if possible.
26. Each competitor irrevocably consents to the use and reproduction of the competitors name, likeness, appearance and photographs, films and recordings by all means and in all media. This may be for the purpose of advertising, publicity, and otherwise in relation to the exploitation of the event and the promotion of the event and or any future event and the commercial rights relating to the event provided that such use does not imply direct endorsement by the competitor of any sponsor or supplier prior to the event.
27. The Event Organiser reserves the right to vary these conditions by giving notice to the competitors in writing in any official ‘forum’ or correspondence prior to the event
28. All decisions and rulings by the Event Organiser, and the Event Organisers agents are considered final.
29. Each team will assign a Captain who the Event organiser can liase with directly.
30. Everyone is to have a great day. AGAIN!!!!


Footnotes

i. If there is no RRP available then the adjudicators will determine a price based on cross referencing the retail price provided by at least two Firework Retailers. The costs of the fireworks must not exceed £500.99p absolute maximum.
ii. At the time of publication of these rules two award winning professional pyrotechnic experts have agreed to judge the competition.
iii. ‘Set Piece Construction’ is defined as any construction designed to support a pyrotechnic device whilst it is ignited either to provide elevation or movement.
iv. Most teams will already have a professional firer in their teams. For those without one will be assigned either as a member or in an advisory capacity. The professional firer will be a volunteer and will not be acting in any way in their capacity as an employee of or owner of a pyrotechnic company.
v. Referees cannot be part of a team or divulge any information to a team that might be of assistance to that team in the planning their display.
vi. To be clear that this is something that must be adhered to, as all the material used will have been available there should be no need for last minute changes, however changes can be made ‘within reason’ to firing lists and this will be with agreement and at the discretion of the ‘event organiser.’ Late submission will be highlighted on the forum and any persistent late submission may result in a reduction of 1% of budget per day late penalty.
vii. Those requiring a wide frontage will be accommodated, please provide prior notice.

 

[Moontan]

Great job Meggsy. Thanks a lot.
You give so much information that i dont, have further questions.
In the meantime i will wath the news about the competition in the UK.
Wish you all of the best.
Regards
Fred

 

[DaftDaze]

Here is Daftdaze video from the front of our (I emphasise) 'attempt' at a mascleta...it is a bit smokey....I am sure he won't mind me posting the link.....

http://www.viva-lasfallas.co.uk/Woodmans-2007-Mascleta.wmv

Enjoy

Your right Steve, I don't mind at all. I was a bit too close to video it properlly but it sure was noisey at the time.
This was a really fun event, I've flown over from Ireland for it 3 years running now and each year the standard of both the amature teams and the pro shows just gets better. I too am sad that Steve will not be organising it again, but it does take a lot of organising and it must be very stressful for Steve, so hopefully someone will takeover and the event will be seen again next year.

For some reason I can't upload photos to this site, so here's a few more linked from the UK site.

Steve thinks the rack of 50mm salute shells might be too close to the crowd.

Part of the mascleta setup

The bits that went bang at the end.

One of 3 identicle firing sites for Flashpoints Pro display - I really liked his one-shot candle sequence.

I might also have some more videos that I can post later.

-Alan

 

[Moontan]

Great pictures Alan. Wonderfull to see the amateur mascleta.
I hope to see more video,s
But thanks a lot so far.
:weird:

 

[crazedmonkey]

Glad you guys like the videos - I am the one that wore the "MonkeyCam" all night.

Unfortunatly I did have it mounted a bit too far back and at a slightly weird angle as well!

Phil

 

[DaftDaze]

I've finished checking the videos I got from the Woodmans, but as I was a bit too near the action, most of them are not really usable. But here is a video of the winning team Bangers and Mash. I was sitting right beside the judges so you can hear a few comments from them.

http://www.viva-lasfallas.co.uk/WoodmansBangersMash.wmv

WMV Format, 720x576 Widescreen. 52MB.

-Alan

 

[Moontan]

Amazing film Alan, thanks.
Great show and also great music (Is that the music of Frankie goes to...)
I like the fireworks from UK very much. Great cakes and candles.