Starting at approximately 9.30pm (or as soon as it’s dark enough) there will be three 10 minute displays fired from Mountbatten breakwater. Each display will use up to 550kg NEM (Net Explosive Mass) – that’s over three tonnes of pyrotechnics each.
You can watch the displays from any point around Plymouth Sound but as the displays are designed to be seen from the Hoe this is the prime viewing area.
People start gathering on the Hoe and along Madeira Road from early evening, particular on warm evenings, where they can get a prime viewing location and enjoy all the activity around Plymouth Sound. The Queen Anne’s Battery area, which overlooks the firing site, is another popular viewing point.
In addition, you can also enjoy a whole host of live entertainment on the Hoe, including a stage with live music, a fun fair and a selection of catering.
Mountbatten itself provides some viewing around the Mountabatten pub, although this is limited by the side-on view which means that some of the more spectacular effects may not be seen.
Behind Mountbatten, the Jennycliff area is another popular viewing spot.
Site Layout
Plymouth Hoe is a large open public park area located in the heart of Plymouth. The surface of the main promenade is tarmac and has level access at each end, the level access entrances are Hoe Promenade East, via Elliot Terrace and Hoe Promenade West, via the disabled access ramp. The promenade is long with a distance of 400m from end to end (East to West) which gives a scale of size. Due to the historical geographical nature of the site, some areas within the park are not fully accessible and maybe difficult to navigate. All accessible toilets ARE accessible. This event is non-ticketed with crowds in excess of 35,000 people attending each day. Activities taking place on site this year are:
- Adult fairground
- Childrens fairground
- Entertainment stage
- Catering outlets
- Various traders and stalls
The map of British Firework Championships on Plymouth Hoe, 13 and 14 August 2025, is now online, and includes locations of everything you need to know. See https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/BFC_24_Site.Map.png
Chill Out Zone
Take some time out in the Sensory Garden (beside Osbourne Place entrance) on Plymouth Hoe where you can soak up the atmosphere of the British Firework Championships, while relaxing away from the hustle and bustle. You will also find some less busy spaces along the lower grassy areas of the Hoe.
Safe Spaces
There are a number of registered safe spaces in the Plymouth area: A Safe Place offers help if someone is anxious, scared or at risk while they are out and about and need support. You can visit the safe spaces website for more information or speak with our steward and events team who will be identifiable by their hi-vis and lanyards.
Sensory Needs
Be prepared for loud noise, lots of flashing lights* and of course, Fireworks! Make sure you prepare yourself for the busy loud and bright atmosphere, some people take ear defenders with them… it’s up to you! Sunglasses are also helpful for really bright lights, but if these aren’t doable just look down at the floor when they’re too bright.
Go to the side of the main viewing areas, or try our sensory garden ‘quieter space’. The sides of the main viewing areas are usually a lot calmer. There is also a designated sensory garden (see above). Please speak to one of our stewards or volunteers that will be in hi-vis if you need any help, there are multiple bars and also a water point around the events site as well. There are two viewing platforms available as detailed below.
*Strobe lighting is not used as part of the entertainment programme on stage but there will be lots of flashes produced by the Fireworks.
Information Points
There will be many stewards and volunteers across the event on Plymouth Hoe, who will always be happy to help. Stewards will be wearing yellow high viz tabards and volunteers will be wearing pink high viz tabards, so please ask them if you have any questions.
An information point will be available and located beside the main stage compound, please look out for the information point flag.
Accessible Toilets
There are accessible toilets at both ends of the Hoe. The Hoe’s new permanent public toilets include six unisex toilets, with one additional accessible toilet and a large, code operated accessible changing places cubicle. This means the new facilities can be used safely and comfortably by all people with disabilities. In order to access the changing places cubicle please contact Changing Places Toilets or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. directly.
Accessible Viewiing
Area 1: An accessible area for viewing will be located on top of the Belvedere for those wishing to stay away from the main crowds and will be accessed via the Hoe promenade. This will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Area 2: An accessible riser platform will be available directly opposite the main stage on the East end of the Hoe promenade, this is the best location to view the main stage entertainment programme but is in a busier area of the event site. This platform will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
BSL Interpreted Performance
A qualified BSL interpreter will be on the main stage (stage right) from 6pm each evening, covering all aspects of the entertainment programme from the bands to the firework commentary. This service is provided by Complete Communications Ltd.
British Sign Language interpreted performances are performances where an interpreter is on stage interpreting the words and songs live. They are suitable for:
- Deaf people.
- Those with family members who use British Sign Language.
- People with an interest in British Sign Language.
