World Fireworks Championships: All you need to know

A new four-year series starts later this month which will culminate in the Champion of Champions being crowned in 2028

The annual World Fireworks Championships is set to light up the skies again this year, but with a new format.

Blackpool is hosting a four-year series of shows which will culminate in the Champions of Champions being crowned.

Over the next three years, nine former winners of the event will be invited back to compete head-to-head for supremacy, with one heat winner emerging from each year.

The three heat winners go head-to-head in a dramatic grand finale to determine the Champion of Champions in 2028.

When does it start?

The free event begins on 13 September.

The prime place for watching the spectacular is on Central Promenade between Central Pier and North Pier

Where does it take place?

The firework display will light up the sky over the beach in front of the Blackpool Tower.

What is this year's line-up?

This year's competition features three returning champions, as follows:

• 13 September – Amir Morani Fireworks representing India, Winner 2023

• 27 September – Dance of Fire representing Ukraine, Winner 2019

• 11 October 2025 – Orion representing Canada, Winner 2015

What time does each show start at?

The build-up starts from 19:30 BST and displays begin at approximately 20:30.

Where is the best place to watch?

The prime spots to watch the spectacle are along Central Promenade between Central Pier and North Pier.

What does the event mean to Blackpool?

Councillor Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said it was a new era for the event, which attracts thousands of visitors to the resort.

"Firework nights are something very special in the Blackpool calendar and we can't wait to welcome residents and visitors to the Promenade to see what these three returning competitors have planned."

She added: "To have previous winners competing against each other means the audience will be in for a spectacularly good evening."