Reaction Fireworks

04/09/2026

We were incredibly sorry to hear of the passing of William “Willie” Thomson, who was an integral part of the original Reaction Fireworks team and someone who will be very fondly remembered by all of us who had the pleasure of working alongside him.

Willie travelled the length and breadth of the country with us, working on some of the biggest and most memorable displays we produced over the years. This included the spectacular 25th Anniversary celebrations for the Humber Bridge, where Willie was part of the team working right from the top of the bridge itself — certainly not a job for the faint-hearted!

He was also part of our teams competing at both the British Firework Championships and the British Musical Fireworks Championships, along with countless other displays over many years.

Willie was one of those people you were always pleased to have on your team. Incredibly strong, hardworking and dependable, nothing ever seemed to be a problem. Whatever the job, Willie would simply get stuck in and get it done — usually with plenty of humour along the way.

More importantly, he was a genuinely lovely man with a fantastic sense of humour who was much loved by everyone who worked with him.

Our thoughts are with Willie’s family and friends at this very sad time.

Rest in peace, Willie. You will never be forgotten. ❤️

Willie’s funeral service will take place on Thursday 10 September 2026 at 12:45 pm at West Road Crematorium.

All are welcome afterwards at Scrogg Road Social Club, NE6 2PR.

16/08/2026

Why Is Blue One of the Hardest Colours to Create in Fireworks?

When you watch a professional firework display, it's easy to admire the incredible colours lighting up the night sky.

But did you know that not all firework colours are equally easy to produce?

In fact, one colour has challenged firework manufacturers for generations...

Blue.

Creating a deep, vibrant blue firework is one of the most technically difficult achievements in pyrotechnics.

Why?

Because the chemical compounds that produce blue have to burn within an extremely narrow temperature range. If the temperature is too high, the blue can become washed out. Too low, and the colour may not develop properly at all.

That's why a truly rich blue is often considered one of the hallmarks of a high-quality professional firework.

On the other hand, beautiful gold effects remain one of the most popular choices for weddings and prestigious events. Their elegant, long-lasting trails create a timeless look that never goes out of fashion.

When we design a display, we don't simply choose bright colours. We carefully consider how different colours work together, creating contrast, emotion and a visual journey that builds from the opening sequence through to the finale.

Professional firework displays are as much about creativity as they are about chemistry!

What's your favourite firework colour? Are you a fan of elegant golds, vibrant blues, rich reds or dazzling silvers? Tell us in the comments!

📖 Read hundreds more expert firework guides and FAQs:
https://reactionfireworks.co.uk/faqs/

Use our FAQ page and get the answers to your firework related frequently asked questions. Such as how much does a firework display cost.

03/08/2026

Congratulations to the whole Kynren team on an incredible 100 performances! 🎉

We're proud to be part of the journey and honoured to help bring this spectacular show to life.

Here's to the next 100! 🎆

19/07/2026

🎆 Ever Wondered How Fireworks Create Hearts, Rings and Palm Trees in the Sky?

One of the things that fascinates people most about professional fireworks is the incredible variety of shapes they produce.

From elegant gold willows and colourful peonies to perfect rings and dramatic palm effects, every display offers something different.

But here's the surprising part...

The shape isn't created when the firework explodes – it's created long before it ever leaves the ground.

Inside every aerial shell are carefully arranged "stars" – small pellets that produce the colour and light. The way these stars are positioned during manufacture determines the pattern you'll see when the shell bursts high above you.

Professional display designers then use these different effects like an artist uses paint.

A romantic wedding might feature elegant gold willows and graceful falling effects, while a public celebration may include bold palms, colourful chrysanthemums and dramatic crossettes to fill the sky with excitement.

It's not just about choosing beautiful fireworks – it's about choosing the right fireworks in the right order.

By combining different shapes, colours, heights and timings, we create displays that constantly evolve, keeping audiences engaged from the opening sequence right through to the grand finale.

At Reaction Fireworks, every display is individually choreographed because no two celebrations are ever the same.

What's your favourite type of firework? Do you love the huge golden willow effects, colourful bursts, crackling fireworks or something else? Let us know in the comments!

📖 Read hundreds more expert firework guides and FAQs:
https://reactionfireworks.co.uk/faqs/

Use our FAQ page and get the answers to your firework related frequently asked questions. Such as how much does a firework display cost.

12/07/2026

Can Professional Fireworks Really Be Launched from Rooftops?

The simple answer is... yes.

Some of the world's most spectacular firework displays are launched from rooftops, creating breathtaking skylines that can be enjoyed by thousands of people.

But it's certainly not as simple as putting fireworks on a roof and pressing a button!

Every rooftop display requires meticulous planning. Before a single firework is installed, we assess the building, access arrangements, available space, surrounding buildings, viewing areas and many other factors.

Each display is then individually designed to suit the location, ensuring the fireworks complement the skyline and provide the best possible experience for the audience.

Using professional choreography software and electronic firing systems, every firing cue is programmed in advance to ensure the display unfolds exactly as designed.

Weather also plays a huge part. Wind speed and direction are monitored carefully before and during every rooftop display, helping us deliver a spectacular performance while working within carefully planned operating procedures.

Over the years, we've been privileged to deliver rooftop displays for major public celebrations, where fireworks launched from multiple buildings have combined to create one seamless performance across an entire city skyline.

When everything comes together, the results are truly unforgettable.

Have you ever watched a rooftop firework display? If so, where was it? We'd love to hear about your favourite display in the comments.

📖 Read hundreds more expert firework guides and FAQs:
https://reactionfireworks.co.uk/faqs/

Use our FAQ page and get the answers to your firework related frequently asked questions. Such as how much does a firework display cost.

05/07/2026

🎆 Why Do Professional Firework Displays Cost More Than DIY Fireworks?

It's a question we're asked from time to time, and it's a fair one.

If you can buy fireworks yourself, why does a professional display cost more?

The simple answer is this...

You're not just paying for fireworks. You're paying for everything that happens before the first firework is ever launched.

A professional display begins weeks before the event. Every show is carefully designed around the venue, the audience and the occasion. We consider viewing angles, colours, pacing, timing and the overall experience we want to create.

We use specialist choreography software to design the display, programme every firing cue into professional electronic firing systems and carefully plan how each sequence builds towards the finale.

On the day itself, our team spends hours setting up, testing equipment, preparing the firing site and making sure everything is ready long before guests arrive.

Then, after the applause has faded, there's still the clear-up before we head home.

The fireworks themselves are only one part of the experience.

Whether it's a wedding, corporate event or major public celebration, our aim is always the same – to create a display that's memorable for all the right reasons.

At Reaction Fireworks, we've been creating bespoke professional displays since 1987, combining nearly four decades of experience with modern choreography and electronic firing technology to deliver displays that people remember long after the final firework has faded.

What's the best professional firework display you've ever seen? We'd love to hear where it was and what made it so memorable.

📖 Read the full article in our Knowledge Centre: https://reactionfireworks.co.uk/faqs/

Use our FAQ page and get the answers to your firework related frequently asked questions. Such as how much does a firework display cost.

02/07/2026

💥 Firework Myth: Are Silent Fireworks Really Silent?

It's one of the questions we're asked more than any other, and the answer surprises a lot of people.

The truth is that there's no such thing as a completely silent aerial firework.

Every firework that launches into the sky creates some noise. The lift charge sends it into the air, and the burst charge creates the beautiful effect in the sky. Both produce sound.

So why do people talk about "silent fireworks"?

What they're usually referring to are low-noise fireworks. These are specially designed to reduce the loud bangs associated with traditional displays while still creating stunning visual effects.

One common misconception is that quieter fireworks are less impressive. In reality, some of the most beautiful displays we've ever designed have used low-noise effects, with elegant gold willows, rich colours and long-lasting sparkling trails creating an unforgettable experience.

So, if you're looking for a "silent" display, the best approach is to speak to us about low-noise options that suit your venue and event.

At Reaction Fireworks, we've been creating bespoke professional displays since 1987, and we'll always recommend the most suitable effects for your celebration rather than simply using the latest buzzwords.

Have you ever seen a low-noise firework display? We'd love to hear what you thought in the comments.

📖 Read the full guide in our Knowledge Centre: https://reactionfireworks.co.uk/faqs/

Use our FAQ page and get the answers to your firework related frequently asked questions. Such as how much does a firework display cost.

06/05/2026

Good to see the British Pyrotechnists Association (BPA) launch their new logo.

Reaction Fireworks are proud to be members of the BPA and to support the promotion of professionalism, safety and responsible fireworks throughout the industry.

As a company, we are passionate about delivering high quality displays safely, professionally and responsibly for our clients and spectators alike.