Blackpool fireworks return this weekend with Blackpool Promenade closed for the first of three World Fireworks Championships Blackpool events. The shutdown runs between Springfield Road and Chapel Street while Wales opens the competition on Saturday, September 12.
The closure lands at the exact point when the town is trying to manage a major annual event and keep people moving through the area. Blackpool Council said: "If you’re travelling through the area, please allow extra time for your journey and plan ahead where possible."
North Pier and Manchester Square
Diversion routes will be in place during the build-up and the event itself. Trams will run on a split service from North Pier and Manchester Square, while buses and taxis will be able to access Market Street.
That split arrangement gives travellers options, but it also means no one should expect a normal through-service along the closed stretch. The practical answer is simple: use the permitted access points, and factor in extra travel time before setting out.
Wales, South Africa and Germany
Wales competes first on Saturday, September 12 with Celtic Fireworks, the team that won in 2022 after overcoming challenging weather conditions. South Africa follows on Saturday, September 26 with Fireworks for Africa, which took the crown in 2017.
Germany closes the three-event run on Saturday, October 10 with Haupt Feuerwerke. Their appearance carries a longer backstory too: they were set to compete in 2020, but their debut was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic and they won one year later.
Amir Morani, named in the image credit line as the fireworks representative for India at World Fireworks Championship Blackpool, is part of the wider event frame around this competition. But for anyone travelling this weekend, the immediate issue is the road closure, and the cleanest move is still to plan ahead instead of trying to cut it fine.
