Absolutely. Large public firework displays are one of our specialities and have been at the heart of what we do for almost 40 years.
From Bonfire Night celebrations and city centre events to New Year’s Eve spectaculars, festivals and sporting occasions, Reaction Fireworks has designed and delivered displays for audiences ranging from a few hundred people to many tens of thousands.
Public displays require a completely different level of planning to private celebrations. It’s not simply a case of using more fireworks – every aspect of the event must be carefully coordinated to ensure the display is safe, spectacular and professionally managed.
What Makes a Public Display Different?
A large public display involves much more than the fireworks themselves.
Planning may include:
- Detailed site assessments.
- Risk assessments and method statements.
- Meetings with the event organiser.
- Liaison with local authorities.
- Coordination with emergency services.
- Safety Advisory Group (SAG) meetings where appropriate.
- Traffic management considerations.
- Crowd management planning.
The fireworks become one element of a much larger event operation.
Designing for Large Audiences
A display designed for 200 wedding guests would be very different from one intended to entertain 20,000 spectators.
For larger public events we consider:
- Long viewing distances.
- The width of the audience.
- The surrounding landscape.
- The height of nearby buildings.
- The size of the firing area.
- The overall event programme.
The objective is to ensure the display has sufficient scale and impact for everyone watching, regardless of where they are standing.
Professional Planning
Every public display begins with detailed planning.
Depending on the complexity of the event, this may include:
- Multiple site visits.
- Technical drawings.
- Display layouts.
- Firing plans.
- Weather monitoring.
- Emergency procedures.
- Communication plans.
Careful preparation helps ensure the event runs smoothly on the day.
Working Alongside Event Organisers
Large public events are always a team effort.
We’ll work closely with:
- Event organisers.
- Local authorities.
- Venue management.
- Security providers.
- Medical teams.
- Production companies.
- Traffic management contractors.
Good communication is essential to ensure the fireworks integrate seamlessly into the wider event programme.
Supporting Event Management
One advantage unique to Reaction Fireworks is that our sister company, AH Events, specialises in event management and event safety.
This means we understand much more than just fireworks.
Our combined experience includes:
- Event Safety Plans.
- Safety Advisory Group submissions.
- Crowd management.
- Traffic management coordination.
- Licensing support.
- Event Control procedures.
This wider understanding allows us to work effectively as part of the overall event team.
Technology Behind the Display
Large public displays demand precision.
Our displays are designed using Finale 3D software before being programmed into our COBRA electronic firing system.
This allows us to:
- Create complex firing sequences.
- Synchronise displays to music where required.
- Coordinate multiple firing positions.
- Deliver accurate and reliable performances.
It’s the same professional approach whether we’re firing from a riverside park, a sports stadium or multiple rooftops across a city centre.
Experience You Can Rely On
Over the years we’ve had the privilege of delivering displays for local authorities, national organisations, sporting venues, visitor attractions and major public celebrations across the UK.
Every event is different, but our objective never changes – to provide a display that is safe, professionally managed and genuinely unforgettable.
Whether your audience numbers 2,000 or 200,000, we’ll work with you from the earliest planning stages through to the final inspection after the display has finished.
From Our Experience
Some of the most complex displays we’ve delivered have involved multiple firing locations operating simultaneously. These projects require months of planning, detailed programming and close coordination with event organisers. When the countdown reaches zero, however, everything should appear effortless to the audience—that’s the hallmark of a professionally managed public display.
Myth vs Reality
Myth: A large public display is simply a bigger version of a wedding firework display.
Reality: Public displays involve significantly more planning, coordination and technical expertise. The fireworks themselves are only one part of a much wider event operation involving safety planning, crowd management and close collaboration with multiple agencies.
Related FAQs
- How Are Professional Firework Displays Designed?
- How Are Professional Firework Displays Fired?
- What Happens During a Professional Firework Display Site Visit?