More than 20,000 people descended on Southport for a spectacular weekend of fireworks, music and family entertainment at the 2026 British Musical Fireworks Championship.
Victoria Park welcomed huge crowds across two nights, with Saturday setting a new record for the event as 13,000 people attended – the biggest opening-night audience since the championship began in 1999.
Six of the UK’s leading pyrotechnic teams competed for the coveted title, creating elaborate displays choreographed to music and lighting up the Southport skyline.
Saturday saw Skyburst, Monumental Fireworks and Sonic Fireworks battle it out before Celestial Displays, Flashpoint Fireworks and Fire Monkey Pyro took centre stage on Sunday.
Monumental Fireworks crowned 2026 champions
Unlike a traditional fireworks display, the British Musical Fireworks Championship challenges competitors to carefully synchronise their pyrotechnics with music, creating individual performances combining sound, colour and dramatic effects.
Following two nights of competition, the professional judging panel named Monumental Fireworks the 2026 British Musical Fireworks Champions after an emotive performance culminating in a spectacular finale.
Fire Monkey Pyro finished second, with its smiley face and crown sequence receiving praise from the judges, while Sonic Fireworks claimed third place after incorporating flames into its sensory display.
Away from the competition, Victoria Park took on a festival atmosphere throughout the weekend.
Live performances came from Southport’s Clay Highway and Batala Mersey, while families could enjoy trampolines, craft workshops, glitter tattoos and caricature artists. A range of local food and drink vendors were also on hand throughout the event.
New sensory quiet zone introduced
Among the additions for 2026 was a dedicated sensory quiet zone, offering visitors a calmer environment away from the busiest parts of Victoria Park.
A special travel offer was also introduced with Merseyrail, allowing visitors to make return journeys for £2 for adults and £1 for children.
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said:
“We love to see record breaking crowds just as much as we love to see those incredible displays and it shows just how much families from across the region value this amazing weekend.
“The British Musical Fireworks Championships continue to be one of the highlights of our events calendar and it really is nothing short of spectacular. The atmosphere throughout Victoria Park across both evenings was incredible.
“If you have never been before I wholly encourage you to make sure you’re first in the queue for 2027.
“Events like this play a vital role in supporting Southport’s visitor economy, generating greater footfall for local businesses and showcasing everything our Borough has to offer.
“I would like to congratulate all of the competing teams, particularly champions Monumental Fireworks, as well as a special thanks once again to everyone involved behind the scenes in organising and delivering another outstanding weekend for Sefton.”
A packed year of events in Southport
The British Musical Fireworks Championship forms part of a busy 2026 events calendar that has attracted thousands of visitors to Southport and the wider Sefton area.
Earlier in the year, Southport hosted its Food & Drink Festival in May and the Southport Air Show in August, while Salt & Tar in Bootle welcomed music fans for its five-night summer weekender.
Royal Birkdale also welcomed many of the world’s leading golfers for the 154th Open, while Southport’s Elegantly Eccentric programme has delivered installations and performances including Lightport, Cristal Palace and Big Top.
The town’s events programme will continue into the final months of 2026, with the free Books Alive! family festival taking over Southport town centre during the October half-term holidays.
Christmas markets and a programme of festive events will then round off another busy year for the seaside town.
