Do you know your roman candles from your cakes? If you are planning on having your own firework party it’s important to know what each firework does. Here are some of the most common firework types.

Cakes

Cakes are one of the most common fireworks used in consumer displays and are constructed from many cardboard tubes glued together. Each tube normally contains a single shot, and these are all connected by an internal fuse. Once the cake is lit, the fuse burns from tube to tube, igniting each shot in turn, which usually flies up into the air where it explodes with an effect. Thus, a 16 shot cake will have 16 tubes, a 49 shot cake will have 49 tubes and so on. They normally offer the best value for money in your display because unlike rockets for example, which have one single effect, a cake will repeat its shots. So, a 16 shot cake will have 16 shots in sequence, one after the other. You would need 16 separate rockets to achieve the same number of bursts.

Here is an example of a cake – Big Daddy – Currently £84.99

Fan Cakes

In Fan cakes the tubes are angled slightly so that the shots are sent out to the left and right of the firework in addition to straight up. But even better, each row of shots can be fused to fire simultaneously. Fan cakes provide a stunning barrage of multiple shots. They tend to be expensive, but the effect created is near-professional. They make ideal finale fireworks to end your show. Where a fan cake fires its shots in a chaser sequence from left to right and vice versa, it is known as a “Z” firing cake.

Roman Candle

Roman candle is the traditional name for a firework that has been around for centuries. It is a card tube with a shell sitting inside it. The fuse runs into the tube and ignites a lifting charge, popping the shell out of the open top and into the air, where it then explodes with its effect. The candle itself remains on the ground.

Here is an example of a roman candle – Atom Bomb – Currently £7.50

Rockets

Rockets vary considerably in size and shape. In recent years, packaging has changed to include metallic reflective casings, and double, triple and even quadruple effects are available. All rockets have one thing in common they offer a very short effect. Unlike cakes or candles, the rocket’s effect normally explodes in one go and is therefore over in a few seconds. Some rockets manage to achieve a longer hang time with persistent effects such as gold glitter or fish, but durations of more than a few seconds are rare. The majority of rockets contain a display effect. This means something pretty or colourful, sometimes accompanied by other sounds such as crackles. Some rockets have a pretty tail when they take off and nearly all rockets bang as a side effect of the payload detonating…the bang!

Here is an example of a rocket – Tomahawk – Currently £40.00

Fountains

Bigger fountains are referred to as conic fountains. A conic fountain resembles a volcano in shape and it’s not far off with its effects too! This is because conic fountains normally contain just one single type of effect which is pressed inside the cone-shaped casing. Starting slowly, these can build up to quite magnificent plumes and look particularly good used in a line across the display area.

Here is an example of a fountain – Glacier Rising – Currently £13.99

Catherine Wheel

In the 4th century, St. Catherine of Alexandria was tortured on a wheel giving rise to the traditional name catherine wheel for this well-known rotating device. A wheel is a card or plastic disc with a number of rocket-like thrusters or gerbs (fountains) mounted around the circumference. Each one burns to provide both sparks and thrust, spinning the wheel around. The fast motion of many wheels adds to the effect. Most larger wheels change effects as each gerb burns in turn. So, you might have silver or gold, then colours, then screeching. Price has never been a good indicator of quality with wheels. Some of the cheapest wheels offer stunning performance, good duration and even reversing action. In general though, more expensive wheels have bigger and better gerbs – but be sure to mount them high enough to show off the effect.

Here is an example of a Catherine Wheel – Vortex – Currently £8.50

What do the different categories of fireworks mean?

Category 1 – Indoor fireworks CE marked, safety advise and category 1 stated on packaging.

Category 2 – Garden fireworks CE marked, safety advise and category 2 stated on packaging. Category 2 fireworks have a 8 metre safety distance.

Category 3 – Display fireworks CE marked, safety advise and category 3 stated on packaging. Category 3 fireworks have a 15 metre firing distance but a 25 metre spectator safety distance.

Category 4 – British Standard as being not suitable for sale to the general public. Category 4 fireworks are for professional use only and can not be sold to the general Public.

At UK Fireworks we would always suggest where possible exceed the minimum required safety distance. If you have a larger area we recommend utilising it. Safety is always paramount and we want to ensure your display is enjoyed safely.

We only sell retail fireworks (category 2 & 3). We DO NOT sell any professional fireworks (category 4 ) to members of the public

Whether you are planning a small firework party or a large one, we have a great range of fireworks and offers to suit your budget. Take a look at our online shop here