Honorary M.Sc

Revd Ron Lancaster has been made an honorary M.Sc at the Science Congregation at Durham University where Bill Bryson is the present Chancellor. As the Chairman and founder of Kimbolton Fireworks, Ron is the author of the main text book of firework manufacture, recognised throughout the world and now in its fourth edition.

There were several degree congregations last week but at this one over 300 young scientists received their degrees in a packed Cathedral. It was interesting because Ron Lancaster entered the University in 1950 to read Chemistry but having decided to be ordained in the Church of England studied Humanities degrees, but spent much of his life as a School Chaplain teaching divinity and chemistry !

Snow

Several days of snow turned the Kimbolton factory site into an alpine scene bringing work to a stop. With pathways now cleared, production has restarted ... but with more snow forecast !

Large Rockets will be more difficult to obtain in future.

In the U.K. the general public has always had access to large fireworks but the influence of certain countries in the EU is beginning to reduce the U.K. to their level. Schools, Scout groups,Tablers etc have traditionally organised fireworks displays in November but it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain larger fireworks. Aerial star shells fired from mortar tubes were the first to be unavilable and now it will not be easy to buy large rockets.

The EEC with encouragement from the USA decided that rockets with more than 20grams of explosive could not be sold without the new explosives classification. The lowest grade of explosives classification is 1.4G; these can be transported by ordinary carriers and stored in shops. The big change is that rockets bigger than 20grams are now classified as 1.3G ; they are not moved by ordinary carriers and shops need a more limited licence.

It was at first assumed that there would be quite a number of these large rockets which last year were 1.4G would be in circulation and in common with many other products it would take a year or two to move them on to a stricter regime. This is officially not the case.

Three suppliers have had to consider ways in which rockets could be legally packaged to reduce their classification to 1.4G. In practice this has meant that for example Kimbolton Fireworks of Huntingdon has had to burn test their superb German manufactured rockets in mesh lined cartons in order to gain this 1.4G classification. It adds a great deal to the costs, but they are still the only EEC rockets available in this large display size; others have done this with Chinese material.

For all lovers of fireworks these changes can be very disappointing. The responsible Firework Trade has gone the extra mile to keep our traditions alive.

To see the range of Kimbolton Firework's large rockets click here

St Patrick's Festival 2008

Kimbolton Fireworks were please to once again fire the display for the 2008 Skyfest, St Patricks Festival.

With a move from last years central Dublin site, this years display created a truly spectacular event on the site of the iconic Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary.

This spectacular pyrotechnic, lighting, and musical gathering was designed to celebrate the spirit of The St. Patricks Festival and the work of The National Lottery, at the majestic backdrop of the Rock of Cashel.

With an estimated 5.5 tonnes of pyrotechnics and over 40,000 explosions, the display provided an electrifying and memorable part of the festivities.

Image © Copyright 2001-2008 St. Patrick's Festival

Official Festival Website : http://www.stpatricksday.ie/

Spring Fair 2008, NEC Birmingham

Kimbolton Fireworks are pleased to be exhibiting again at the Spring Fair. If you are visiting the fair, the Kimbolton team will be extremely pleased to see you and introduce our 2008 firework range. You will find us at stand E6/F9 in Hall 3.

2008 Hogmanay Fireworks, Edinburgh

Kimbolton Fireworks were honoured to be given the task of producing the Hogmanay firework spectacular to see in the New Year in Edinburgh. At the strike of midnight the pyrotechnic teams fired a stunning synchronised bombardment from Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens and the seven hills surrounding the city to herald the beginning of 2008. The notorious weather managed to hold off allowing in excess of 100’000 revellers packed in to Princes Street to be treated to one of the UK’s largest firework displays set against the awesome Castle backdrop.

This elaborate pyrotechnic performance consisted of 3’900 cues from a total of 71 locations triggered by nine FireOne™ digital firing systems over an intense 3 minutes and 40 seconds. Our team of 35 people worked diligently for six days to ensure resounding success in our part of this world-renowned event.

Macau International Firework Competition 2007

Kimbolton Fireworks were pleased to be invited to fire the opening display for the 19th Macau International Firework Competition on Saturday evening 15th September. After several months of preparation and a week of hard work in the heat of Macau, the show fired sucessfully, lasting for approximately 20 minutes and was viewed by huge crowds lining the waterfront.

The Kimbolton show was followed by the second competitor Hanhwa from Korea.

The competition takes place over 5 nights, with 2 competitors each night (9pm & 10pm) on 15, 22,25,29 September and 1 October 2007.

Views of the barge setup.