Canada crowned fireworks champions for second year running

A team of master blasters from Canada have scooped first prize at Blackpool’s Fireworks Championships, making it two titles in a row for their nation.

Quebec-based, Orion Fireworks, followed up last year’s victory by their fellow countrymen, Firemaster Productions, seeing off competition from teams from France and China with a spectacular display during week three of this year’s championships.

The team’s success was announced on Friday night as Great British pyrotechnic team, Titanium, put on a spectacular show to close the championships.

The free annual events are among the most popular features in Blackpool’s exciting calendar, featuring jaw-dropping displays – synched to music – from some of the most talented and technically gifted fireworks engineers in the world and attracting tens of thousands of visitors to the Promenade each week.

This year, they also provided the perfect opportunity for thousands of people to see Blackpool’s exciting new Las Vegas-style digital projection show on the front of Blackpool Tower.

Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “The championships are a firm favourite in the Blackpool calendar and they have been truly fantastic this year with an exceptionally high standard of display.

“The events are always incredibly popular and attract tens of thousands of people to the Promenade each night.

“Our congratulations go to all the teams who took part but particularly to the winners, Canada, who did their nation proud with a superb show.”

And Cheryl Tchobanian from The Beach House, Blackpool, which hosted the judges, added: “It has been a honour yet again to host the judges at Beach House where our balcony has been a viewing platform with fantastic displays from all teams.

“Team Canada are worthy winners filling the Blackpool skies with such an emotive passionate display.

The winner was chosen by a panel of local judges including Cllr Gillian Campbell, Peter Sedgewick, owner of Blackpool’s piers and Mrs Tchobanian.

The contest this year is hosted in association with media partner Rock FM who provided entertainment at all four events for the tens of thousands in attendance.

To check out the images and footage from this year’s championships please go to www.visitblackpool.com/fireworks