The Big Bang (s)

With the weather being so great last week I thought it would be the perfect time to go along to Blackpool and watch the Irish leg of the World Fireworks Championships. My partner and I parked up at one of the central car parks and wandered into town. The whole resort was teeming with families and people enjoying the last of the day’s sunshine. As we headed over to North Pier (which is the best viewing place this year while the seafront building work is still going on by Central Pier), the sun was just beginning to set over the horizon and the most amazing red sky lit up the Prom.

 

We settled down on the seats just below the memorial and the Metropole Hotel and watched the world go by as the sky began to darken. I couldn’t believe how many people were there. As you looked north up the prom you could see people lining the front as far as the eye could see. There were lots of kids excitedly playing around eager for the fireworks to start and we could hear the sound of the local radio station up behind us getting the crowds excited.

 

The fireworks shot up into the sky and a U2 song started to play over the speakers. I always love it when the crowd goes quiet and all gawp up at the amazing show and I have to say the Irish really know how to entertain! My favourites were the great big rockets that, when they exploded, looked like planets! And it’s not just a show that lasts for a few minutes, the rockets and streamers kept on coming. My partner did say he thought the Chinese put on a better show last year but I was really impressed by the variety of different fireworks.

 

After the show had finished we decided to have a look at this year’s Illuminations. It was absolutely packed! Great for the resort but not so great for a quiet wander along the Prom, so after we’d battled the crowds in front of the tower we decided to call it a night and head back to the car.

 

We will definitely try to go back and see another country try its hand at winning the coveted title before the competition ends on 2 October. I love how easy it is just to wander down to the prom and get out in the fresh sea air for a couple of hours. I wonder who will win this year?

Kate Roberts

Comments

[Barbara Howorth]

This sooo made we want to go - I love fireworks! I'm determined to go with the family next year when my youngest can stand loud bangs and flashes.