By Dynamic Fireworks,
Firework | Firework facts | Dynamic Fireworks

Unbelievable Firework Facts

Did you know firework, firecrackers, sparklers, bonfires: we humans have been delighting in displays of light and sound for hundreds of years. No wonder there are so many jaw-dropping facts related to pyrotechnics – and pyromania. We have collected 17 of the most interesting Facts about Fireworks.

1. First records of fireworks in England date back to 1486

Fireworks were probably first used in England in the late 13th century. After which it took another 200 years to become popular. According to records, the first documented fireworks in England at the wedding of King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York in 1486. The marriage marked the union of the long-sparring Yorkist and Lancastrian families. The wedding brought peace after years of a dynastic war. which was a great cause for the first documented fireworks celebration.

2. the origins of fireworks

Fireworks originate from China, the birth of fireworks can be traced back to the 7th century. That’s not all, there is evidence that primitive Chinese firecrackers date back way farther, to 200BC. Suspected is that a Chinese cook accidentally invented gunpowder while mixing three common kitchen ingredients.

3. The word ‘bonfire’ comes from ‘bone-fire’

bone-fire is a term used to describe the burning of bones of animals, traitors, heretics – and witches. The word can be traced back to Celtic Britain and, contrary to Samuel Johnson’s dictionary definition, is not in fact derived from the French for ‘good fire’. Indeed, if you were a witch, this would be a very bad fire.

4. Annual spend of millions on fireworks

Every year the annual spending of fireworks raises. Not only in the United Kingdom but all over the world. People in the United Kingdom spend about £15m on fireworks each year. In America, there is an estimated spend of 1 billion dollars on fireworks for the 4th of July and 77 million euros are spent in the Netherlands on fireworks for New Year’s Eve.

5. “Fire Master of England” a title created by Queen Elizabeth

Fireworks really took off in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, “I loved fireworks”. She loved fireworks so much that she created the honorary title “Fire Master of England” for the person who organized the best firework displays, based on the recorded fireworks in England. The ‘Fire Master of England’ was allowed to take care of all the Royal firework displays.

6. The Worlds biggest firework display

For many years the biggest display for fireworks in the world on record took place in Portugal (2006) and consisted of 66,326 fireworks. But Dubai currently lays claim to the world’s largest fireworks display, which took place on 31st December 2013. Stretching out over 95km, the display featured 479,651 fireworks launched from positions 59 miles off the coast.

7. … tons of fireworks are blown up each year

Do you know how many tons of fireworks are used each year? The Americans only use 30.000 tons of fireworks a year.

8. November 5th is not celebrated in all of the United Kingdom

This is perhaps the only place in England not to celebrate Guy Fawkes day, November 5th; St. Peter’s School in York. – the establishment attended by Guy Fawkes. Out of respect for their former pupil, the light not a single sparkler on this hallowed day.

9. Firework Sparklers get extremely hot

It’s no surprise that sparklers are hot, but did you know that three together generate the same heat as a blow torch? Be sure to place your spent sparklers in a bucket of water, to prevent fireworks injuries, like burns.

10. Have you heard about chocolate fireworks?

Chocolate fireworks have been pioneered by the Swiss – naturally. The Nestlé Corporation crafted a firework full of Swiss Cailler Chocolate. Their biggest effort was a 3m high, 1.5m diameter monster packed with 60kg of Cailler chocolates. It was set off in Zurich on New Year’s Eve 2002. this event also marked a record that has made it in the Guinness Book of Records. 

11. Health & Safety procedures for making fireworks

Making fireworks demands exemplary health and safety procedures. People who make firecrackers must not wear synthetic clothing since static electricity generated by the fibres can set off the explosives. Cotton clothing, however, is safe to wear during production.

12. Drawing with fireworks for photos 

You can create beautiful images with sparklers. Sparklers are one of the few handheld fireworks which makes them ideal to use for photographs. Simply set up a camera with a long exposure, light a sparkler, and mark out a shape against a dark background.

13. The longest string of firecrackers

More record-breaking fireworks, the longest string of firecrackers. On New Year’s Eve in Hong Kong, 1996 a string of firecrackers went on for 22 hours! 

14. The world’s largest single firework

The Yonshakudama is the world’s largest single firework. Made in Japan with a 1.2m diameter and weighing 420kg, the resulting explosion measures just under half a mile across. We also have a list for you of the biggest fireworks Displays in the UK

15. Worlds biggest firework consumer

There is one company that uses the most fireworks a year. If you guessed Disney you are right. Disney uses the most fireworks a year. It is estimated that they spend over 50 million dollars on fireworks each year, for their daily firework displays in the Disney parks.

16. Macy’s 4th of July fireworks Spectacular in New York

Each year on independence day about three million people gather to watch the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular in New York (The United States). Another eight million people catch the show on TV.

17. Color effects in firework

Our last in line of Firework facts but not least, the colors in firework. It’s tricky to create a blue effect in a firework. Copper oxide lit within a certain temperature range is required. Orange, by contrast, is much easier to produce.

Elements used to create other colours:

  • Green – barium
  • Orange – calcium
  • Yellow – sodium
  • White – aluminium and titanium
  • Red – lithium salts and strontium salt

After reading these Firework facts you are probably in the right mood to either create your own firework display or watch one near you! Take a look at our Fireworks near me to buy of watch page and find your fireworks close to your home!