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20 Years of Sonning Fireworks: Fireworks to music how did it all start?

13 March 2019

It’s 2005 we have spent the day setting up our largest firework display of the year, Chris is sat in front of a PC connected to two prototype firing system circuit boards in upturned plastic boxes. This was the first time we’d tried to fire a show using a computer system. We had fired plenty of shows using our push button systems, but never fully automated. We had decided to tag it on as an extra to the show we ran at Reading Blue Coat School to see how well it worked.

The computer firing system had been designed and built by Chris when he was at Reading University in 2001 as his third year project, but it had taken till now to get the system operational enough to fire a show, well at least we hoped it was operational. Little did we know at the time that this would be the start of Sonning Fireworks providing explosive pyromusical shows for the most discerning clients in the UK!

The system had been working perfectly in his garage at home, but now out in the field something wasn’t right. Module one would communicate but module two wouldn’t, Chris racked his brains for the solution, this all worked in the garage. The system was based on the LonWorks building automation technology, a highly reliable field bus network, it could handle this configuration easily.

Suddenly Chris had a moment of inspiration, he remember one of the researchers from Uni saying something about the direct connect network requiring a shared ground. He leapt up and grabbed a roll of bell wire, rolling out a length between the two modules and connecting it across the negative terminals of both batteries. Bingo! The laptop connected perfectly to both modules and checked the fireworks which were wired in. Perfect! This configuration was only needed for these prototype boards, the final boards were much more resilient and easier to setup.

It was show time, we started firing the show with a combination of hand firing and electric firing, Chris was positioned at the PC ready to go. The team finished their parts of firing the show and rushed to stand with the crowd leaving Chris with the PC.

This was it, make or break, 4 years worth of work, will it fire, wont it fire. Chris nervously hit the fire button and this happened:

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Firework Display FAQs

How much space is needed?+

The absolute minimum distance we require is 50m from spectators, roads, car parks and public byways. This distance increases with the size of the show as we start using larger fireworks. We complete a full risk assessment to ensure only the appropriate fireworks are used for the distance available.

What's the benefit of computer-fired fireworks?+

All our shows are fired by computer and use the full width available onsite, so rather than the traditional single firing location we fire from three or more locations. This means we use the same number of fireworks but fire them in multiples rather than one at a time, making the show far more impressive. This is only possible because we fire 100% of our shows using our computer firing system.

Are firework displays affected by the weather?+

In most circumstances no, however wind direction is critical. A strong wind blowing away from the crowd toward a suitable fallout area is acceptable; a wind blowing toward the crowd can be unacceptable.

Do you clear up afterwards?+

Yes. We endeavour to clear up as much as possible, though there may be a few small bits of cardboard left which soon disappear when the site is mowed. Venues come back to us as their preferred supplier again and again because we respect their venue and their rules.

Can the firework display be a surprise?+

Most of the time we can set up a display without your guests knowing, however with some sites and some sizes of display this is not always possible.

Can we start the firework display ourselves?+

Most certainly. We have a wireless firing system that the bride and groom (or host) can use to start the display safely from back with the crowd.

Can fireworks be choreographed to music?+

Yes! We specialise in fireworks to music, otherwise known as pyromusicals — stunning displays choreographed precisely to your chosen music. Whether you want a romantic first-dance moment or a dramatic finale, a carefully designed musical firework display brings your event to life with rhythm, emotion and spectacle.

How long does a wedding fireworks display last?+

Most wedding fireworks displays last between 4 and 8 minutes, depending on your budget and style. We recommend a high-impact display that leaves a big impression without dragging on. For larger budgets and Bonfire Night shows, displays can last 15–25 minutes.