Glossary
Aerial Shell
An item consisting of an effect to be fired out of a reuseable mortar. Also known as a bombette, flower, or floral burst, this effect rises to altitude with or without a comet tail and bursts into a pattern. The pattern may be a combination or a single display of stars, bees, fish, whizzers, whistles, and many more effects.
Barrage
Multiple roman candles in a bundle that simultaneously fire all tubes at once.
Cake
Multi-tube/multi-shot item that requires only one ignition and progressively fires all tubes, giving off a real show. Best bang for your buck.
Comet
Sparkling trail of sparks behind a star.
Fountain
A firework that sits stationary on the ground and sprays coloured sparks upward in a fan pattern. May also include a mine effect.
Mine
A firework on a mounted plastic base that sprays stars upward in a fan pattern. May include spinners, bees, fish, whizzers, whistles, and many other effects.
Noisemaker
A firework with a sound effect that can range from a whistle to a report to hum to many others. Firecrackers are also in this category, but are only permitted in specific cultural events.
Roman Candle
Single tube item that shoots one effect after another until empty. The effects can be stars, comets, floral bursts, spinners, bees, hummers, and many more.
Star
A firework effect displaying an individual point of light in the sky.
Products List
Ground Level Products
Achieve heights of 15 metres or lower
Illumination Flare
A firework displaying an effect of bright, coloured flames lighting an area that can be used to highlight static objects in silhouette.
Fountain
A firework that sits stationary on the ground and sprays coloured sparks upward in a fan pattern. May also include a mine effect.
Fireball
A firework displaying an effect of a rolling ball of fire with or without a report.
Sparking Wheel
A firework including fountains mounted in any variety and combination off the ground on a free-spinning wheel.
Lancework Picture
A logo, message, or any graphic either static or animated, outlined with coloured lance flares and attached to an upright framwork.
Radio
A device with a series of rocket motors attached to a guide line that are designed to fly away, fly away and return, or any combination of the two.
Waterfall
Multiple fountains mounted on a suspended line.
Low Level Products
Achieve heights of 15 metres to 50 meters
Comet
Individual or combination board that shoots fluffy tailed coloured comets to a height of 30 metres
Mine
A firework on a mounted plastic base that sprays stars upward in a fan pattern. May include spinners, bees, fish, whizzers, whistles, and many other effects.
Small Calibre Cake
An item consisting of individual one-shot tubes fused to fire progressively from a single ignition.
Small Calibre Roman Candle
A small single tube item that shoots one effect after another until empty. The effects can be stars, comets, floral bursts, spinners, bees, hummers, and many more.
Mid Level Products
Achieve heights of 50 metres to 100 meters
Barrage Board
Larger calibre multi-tube unit that is fused to fire progressively from a single ignition. Effects are of varied types and combinations.
Roman Candle
Larger calibre single tube item that shoots one effect after another until empty. The effects can be stars, comets, floral bursts, spinners, bees, hummers, and many more.
High Level Products
Achieve heights of 50 metres and higher
Aerial Shell
An item consisting of an effect to be fired out of a reuseable mortar. Also known as a bombette, flower, or floral burst, this effect rises to altitude with or without a comet tail and bursts into a pattern. The pattern may be a combination or a single display of stars, bees, fish, whizzers, whistles, and many more effects. The varied effects come in sizes designated by the bore of the mortar needed to fire. Shell attributes differ with size. Shells rise to 100 feet (33 metres) and cover a 30 yard (27 metre) burst area per diameter inch (25.4 millimetres).
Firework-specific Precautions
Ground Mines
Ground mines do not require a separate mortar: they are supplied preloaded. When lit, they start with a small fountain before bursting into colour.
Mortar Mines
Mines are, in effect, shells bursting from the ground rather than in the air. They are propelled by means of a lifting charge which projects it out of a heavy paper mortar tube. It is very important that you follow the instructions provided and never position any part of your body over a loaded mortar tube.
Portfires
These are used to ignite the fireworks, and should be used safely.
Rockets
Should be launched from a rocket launching tube angled slightly away from spectators and any obstructions. Make sure rocket is free to rise.
Roman Candles
Batteries of candles must be firmly tied or nailed to a post or buried for 3/4 of their length in a bucket filled with dry sand. They discharge stars and other types of effects. Normally they are in batteries of 3, 4, 6, or 7.
Set Pieces
There are two main types of set piece. One type is stationary and combines geometric designs of fountains. The other type consists of moving pieces with wheels or other devices, turning vertically or horizontally. They should be fixed to a frame or post, the higher the better, as they cascade to the ground.
Techniques and Tips
There are some important factors that go into making your show a success, such as variety, timing and momentum. By following our tips below you will make your audience think you spent a lot more than you really did!
- Variety is the spice of life – buy as wide a variety of effects as possible rather than repeating just a few types.
- It is much easier to get a smooth tempo and flow to your show if you set as much of it as possible up beforehand, space and weather conditions permitting. Do not put items too close together or you will run the risk of igniting neighbouring fireworks. After you set up your show, never leave the fireworks unattended.
- Use a firing tempo that goes from slow to fast, small items to larger items, ground level to aerial.
- Use sound effect items such as those with reports or whistles mixed throughout the show rather than all together.
- Be sure to pick out your finale first and set it aside. The biggest mistake to make is ending the show without the audience knowing that it’s over. Consider using up to 25% of your show as the grand finale.