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Festival Fireworks 2010

9.45pm

Fired from 2 barges mid-river between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridges

Photo by Nathan Cho

A lovely video of the 2010 Fireworks, shot by Rufai Ajala, can be seen on youtube here.

"As an English pyrotechnic artist there is no greater stage than the Thames." So says Mike Jones, designer of the Thames Festival fireworks display, now one of only three displays permitted each year on the Thames in central London.

The display spans nearly half a kilometre of the river as the two barges fire synchronised volleys and strafes of aerial shells erupting into a dramatic canopy of effects. Effects are drawn from China, Taiwan, Spain, Italy and America to modulate not only the colour and shape within each sequence, but also the brilliance, the dynamic movement and pyrotechnic noise as over one ton of pyrotechnics are fired in ten minutes.

From amorphous clouds of strobing blink stars and weaving fiery serpents to the perfect parabolic forms of brocade ring shells, we will see a sequence of beautiful pyroscapes creating a cycle from shapeless energy to symmetry and then to chaos.

Fireworks are rarely treated as an art form in this country, but overseas Pains has received recognition for its virtuosity in show design. Mike Jones was winner of the Montreal International Fireworks Competition in 2007, considered within the industry to be the Olympics of the fireworks world.

Your comments

We are great fans of fireworks displays and over the last few years these have become pretty much our favourite.  The expansive mirrors of the surrounding glass buildings, not to mention the Thames itself, can only go to amplify what is consistently a stunning show.

By Jack on 13 Sep 2010

Hey Guys,

Just wanted to say that I thought the fireworks were truly amazing! My mouth was wide open for the 10 minutes they lasted - will be there next year without a doubt!

Thank you :-)

By Chris on 13 Sep 2010

it was my first time at the festival this year and it was excellent it had just the most amazing fireworks display ever im gonna be there come rain or shine .thanks for everything

By patrick on 13 Sep 2010

Had been to the Thames Festival this year and enjoyed it. Got to see the carnival and the fireworks show. It was nice.
Here are some pictures and videos for those if you who could not make it this year.

<a href=“http://united-kingdom-travel.blogspot.com/2010/09/festival-fireworks-fireworks-display-at.html”> http://united-kingdom-travel.blogspot.com/2010/09/festival-fireworks-fireworks-display-at.html </a>

By Dee on 13 Sep 2010

Been there since last 4years,and every time it’s an absolute treat to my eyes to watch the Colours and vibrance which the festival brings to London! Simply love it!

By Raza Rizvi on 12 Sep 2010

wow, looks lovely

By jack jones on 10 Sep 2010

The colour, sound and movement of the night carnival are always a joy but oh the Firework display! Truly Spectacular and awe-inspiring. Thousands of adults and kids alike, all ooohing and aaahing like we never saw a display before!  A great start to the Autumn. Keeffee

By Keith Mockett on 8 Sep 2010

The colour, sound and movement of the night carnival is always a joy but oh the Firework display! Truly Spectacular and awe-inspiring. Thousands of adults and kids alike, all ooohing and aaahing like we never saw a display before!  A great start to the Autumn. Keeffee

By Keith Mockett on 8 Sep 2010

Watching the Thames Festival fireworks is an unforgettable experience. My 48 students from Johann-Andreas-Schmeller-Gymnasium Nabburg (Bavaria / Germany) were deeply impressed by the amazing display in 2009. I look forward to visiting the Thames Festival again this year.

By Franz Ziegler on 4 Sep 2010

When this article mentions that Mike Jones, and Pains Fireworks, won the Montreal International Fireworks Competition in 2007 it does not highlight just what a magnificent display they put on. In all my years of attending Montreal’s competition, never have I been so impressed. I’m thrilled to be in London for the Thames display this year!

By Tyler Rae on 22 Aug 2010

2006 we where just come to the london eye,with out knowing it was themes festival day…it was the beginning of carnival…such a beautiful procession i never seen,after that we seen the fireworks too,fantastic.. ..my 1 and half year daughter enjoyed a lot..since that we are taking her every year for themes festive l..a day out for fun…i was waiting to get the news letter ..thank you…

By beena j per on 21 Aug 2010

Been ever year since 2002 and everything combines to show the city what can have to offer… Oh and the fireworks! Best bit is left till last! See you there.

By John Kennedy on 20 Aug 2010

I watched the fireworks last year from the roof of the Grange St Pauls and they were spectacular!

By Steve Waldron on 19 Aug 2010

My wife and I were both born in London although we have lived in Kent for the last 40 years.  There is nothing better than to spend a day in London at an event - which we often do, and then finish off with a fire work display. Its like a lovely sweet at the end of a nice meal.

By D Graeme on 16 Aug 2010