If you’ve ever organised a fireworks display, you’ll know that it’s not just the pyrotechnics themselves that make a display amazing. You also need the perfect backdrop against which to really show off and enhance the fireworks – but how do you go about finding it?

The perfect time of night

Of course, finding the ideal backdrop for your fireworks display all starts with the darkness of the night sky. It’s pretty much pointless to let off fireworks before the sun goes down, as you need the contrast between the black of the night sky and the colours and light of the fireworks to create the beautiful effect desired. However, you also need to abide by local council rules on how late you can hold fireworks displays, which can be a bit tricky in summer when the days are long. Aim to start your display just after sunset, although you can go a little later in winter. This should give you the perfect amount of darkness, but you might also get a little of the gorgeous effects of sunset at the same time, adding to the atmosphere.

Open spaces

Whilst fireworks are viewed simply by looking up, it is essential to have some open space to let them off in. Firstly, your spectators need to be standing a safe distance away from the firing zone, so they will be looking forward as well as up. If there are high rise buildings, with lots of lights, or other obstructions, it can ruin the effect. You ideally need an open space like a car park, garden, field or even somewhere more unusual like a mountain-top or next to a lake. If you want your fireworks to feel grand and truly spectacular, give them the space to really show off.

Framing the view

Open spaces may be a good way to let your display dominate the night sky, but you might also want something with which to ‘frame’ the view. Otherwise, you run the risk of your fireworks actually getting lost in the vastness of the sky. For example, if you’re getting married, having fireworks go off above a stately home or church can create a really special effect and give the display something to play off.

Reflective special effects

Your display may be packed full of bells and whistles, but there’s another way to create special effects – and that is with the backdrop you choose. If you opt to hold your display next to water, such as a river, lake or even the sea, you will have every sparkle and shimmer of each firework reflected back of you, making it even more spectacular. If you’re struggling to imagine it, think of the fireworks on the Thames in London at New Year – a truly breath-taking event.

If you’re struggling to find the perfect location for your display, get in touch with the experts at 1^st Galaxy Fireworks for some insider tips.