British Musical Fireworks Championships, Southport

Gala fireworks were clear winners this weekend! I was there all weekend and there were more whoops and cheers from the crowd for this team than any of the other teams, the other teams had elements that we're good but overall Gala gave a far better display, if it was down to the audience vote they would have won by a mile. I've seen enough musical displays, to know when I see a good one. What's the definition of a pyro musical? Fireworks with music? No! Precision of firing and effect of every device in synchronisation with the music, many of the displays this weekend failed to show enough of this..Smart pyrotechnics were perhaps the closest with flash point showing a good display. Gala fireworks however fired perfectly in time to the music. Truly amazing! The judges obviously weren't keen on a modern display, perhaps it's time for some new judges. Also not sure this new site is quite right, trees were an issue

We went on the Saturday night. Whoever organised the sound system should be sacked. The displays where as good as always but was there just one speaker somewhere in the park? we was about 50 people from the front so could hardly hear any music or ant announcements.

So disappointed this year. We go every year to this event. This was a disaster, starting with the taxi. Unlike the Flower Show, the taxi's did not have any organised drop off points. I got a taxi from the station as we had my 83 year-old Mother with us, he suggested 1/2 way down Rotten Row. When we got out and he had driven away we found that they had closed the road even to pedestrians! After pleading (unsuccessfully) with the security staff, we had no choice but to walk all around the top, even further than if we'd walked from the station... Not a good start. Luckily we brought a chair for Mum!

Then the venue, very poor lighting when first through the gate, it was also too dark to see where to stand properly. A lot of jostling and pushing and shoving. Buggies being wheeled over toes and into the back of our legs. Just too dark to get into a good position.

When the display began we realised that the sound was atrocious. We didn't hear a single announcement, and barely any music, we had a vague idea of only two pieces of music, "guess that tune?" . This was incredibly disappointing, it is usually so lovely to see the firework display set in time to the music.

A very poor night.

I've been going for years to southport fireworks show and every year has been brilliant. But this year they moved it, you couldn't see because of the trees the sound was next to none I couldn't hear it and I wasn't far from the front. And the lighting was really bad no one could see where they was going. If it is held in the park next year I won't be going

This year was the first time I attended the British Musical Fireworks Championships, and was blown away by the music and the display. Even the rain could not dampen the enthusiasm of the spectators. Look forward to next year.

just love the musical fireworks in southport- been every year. the fireworks are fantastic but being able to hear the music with them is just brill

I have been going to the British Musical Fireworks Championships for 10 years. Friends and family come to Southport from over the country to watch them. It is a very good evening out. The entrants to the competition do go on to present other prestigous firework shows the world over, so they are very professional displays. I reccommend it to everyone.