We Ask a Pyrotechnician About His Favourite Display
It’s difficult to choose just one firework’s display, as I have been very lucky to work on and be involved […]
When it comes to delivering large-scale, successful fireworks and pyrotechnics displays, experience is a huge advantage for us. But even we had to fire the London New Year’s Eve fireworks display for the first time. We recall vividly the moment that we received the phone call from the client to inform me that we had been successful in the tender process. The euphoria and excitement of being told the news lasted for no more than a few seconds, the reality hit me very quickly — now we have to make good on our promises and deliver this display.
Rigging Fireworks to the London Eye
It was made abundantly clear to us at the very early stages of the delivery that the focus had to be getting the installation of the London Eye correct. We had only a few hours to load and rig 1,500 pyrotechnics and fireworks to a massive structure on the night of the show. This was the biggest challenge and we knew it.
Having a close eye for detail and meticulous planning are essential to success — we live by the motto of fail to prepare, prepare to fail. It’s important to plan a solution or method statement and, wherever possible, design redundancy and maximum flexibility into everything you do. It’s also critical to listen to the advice from others and ask plenty of questions.
For example, the technical director of the London Eye advised us not to underestimate the challenge of designing a robust solution to attach and rig fireworks to the Eye. He also told us that any electrical equipment would need to be tested and ensure it is waterproof. We were advised that previous contractors had designed an enclosure to house electrical equipment, which had been tested sat under a hose pipe for a few days in the back garden.
However, within a few hours on the London Eye, the enclosure would be full of water due to the vibrations and rotation. We did not underestimate the problems we would encounter and took nothing for granted. After all, we’re specialist in rigging and firing pyrotechnics from structures.
Adapting to Challenges
Yet, while most challenges can be overcome in the world of pyrotechnics, where one could get really unstuck is the issues that weren’t foreseen. This is why we try to consider every eventuality and have a contingency in place. Being overly prepared is a must. Having the ability to be flexible and adapt to challenges when you face them is absolutely key and, in this regard, a high degree of resilience is required.
