10 BEST FIREWORKS - The Independent, 1 November 2004
As chosen by gunpowder expert Mark Harris
Blue Streak £20 each
Category 3. Britain’s Blue Streak missile put satellites into space in the
1960s, and this enormous display rocket can’t be far behind. Check for low-flying
aircraft before lighting and retire well back to enjoy the massive starburst and
trails. Rumours that Richard Branson is considering a flight of Blue Streaks for
his space tourism venture have yet to be confirmed.
Kimbolton (01480 860988; www.kimboltonfireworks.com)
Starman £5 for 5
Category 2. These back garden rockets are big enough to raise a smile but quiet
enough not to wake up the whole street (remember, remember the fifth of November
11pm firework curfew this year). It claims that each pack contains a mixture of
effects but, to be honest, they all pretty much did the traditional whizz/bang
thing. Good value, though.
The Firework Emporium (0800 316 0406; www.fireworkemporium.co.uk)
Glittering Gems £3.99
--- BEST BUDGET BUY
Category 2. This award-winning fountain offers outstanding value for money. Silver
showers of crackling sparks shoot up to 2.5 metres high, with a strobe effect
and an impressive crescendo. There are no scary bangs and the whole thing lasts
for a good ninety seconds.
Kimbolton (01480 860988; www.kimboltonfireworks.com)
Lake of Sapphires £35
Category 3. Don’t be fooled by the serene seascape packaging on this roman
candle, it’s louder than a foghorn and has bigger teeth than Jaws. Blue-tailed
comets bursting into blue stars, crackling blue palms and tiny blue bombs create
a classy, colour-themed display from a single ignition fuse.
Kimbolton (01480 860988; www.kimboltonfireworks.com)
Optimum £70 --- BEST
LUXURY BUY
Category 3. A 200-shot monster that combines stars, whistles, strobes and crackles
into a breathtaking all-out assault on the senses. The finale of golden rain,
white strobe and blue trails should leave your guests ooh-ing and ahh-ing all
the way home. Best of all, as it lights with a single taper, there’s actually
very little work for you to do.
The Firework Emporium (0800 316 0406; www.fireworkemporium.co.uk)
Sir Tranquil Silent Knight
£50
Category 2. If your children love watching firework displays but don’t like
the loud bangs, this selection of low noise fireworks should provide plenty of
snap and crackle, without the pop. The box includes dozens of smaller fountains,
candles, wheels and mini rockets but it isn’t completely silent, so keep
pets locked up indoors.
Last Minute (no phone; www.lastminute.com)
Standard Rainbow Red £10
Category 2. Not everyone wants a firework display to rival Mount St. Helens. This
selection contains seven fountains, three roman candles and two wheels to create
a modest display that’s ideal for the smaller family garden. Standard also
have other reasonably priced Category 2 boxes with rockets, mines and more, ranging
from £19.99 to £39.99.
Standard (01484 640640; www.standardfireworks.com)
TNT Super Finale £25
--- BEST BUY
Category 3. This single-ignition barrage was the only one to raise a spontaneous
round of applause from our seasoned test audience. Powerful crackles, starbursts
and multi-coloured trails are followed by a finale of scintillating, sparkling
rain that’s beautiful enough to melt the heart of the toughest Bonfire Night
cynic.
Asda (0500 100 055; www.asda.com)
Black Cat Golden Eye £20
Category 3. Despite looking like a set of mutant pan pipes, the Golden Eye is
actually a high-powered Catherine wheel. Nine jets provide serious firepower so
nail it securely to a post to enjoy ninety seconds of titanium sparks, white chrysanthemum,
gold flitter, silver stars and a crackling spark finish.
Black Cat (01484 640640; www.blackcatfireworks.ltd.uk)
Golden Sparklers 98p for
20
No matter how well planned your display, there will be quiet spells as you re-light
tapers or set up rockets – and that’s when to hand out the sparklers.
These ones emit a shower of gentle golden sparks for about two minutes. Sparkler
accidents are on the increase, so only give them to kids over five and always
dispose of them in a bucket of water.
Asda (0500 100 055; www.asda.com)
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