Firework History

A short history of The British Fireworks Industry from 1900

The British fireworks industry between 1900 and 2000 is a story of family firms, technological change, wartime disruption, and eventual consolidation.

Early 20th century (c. 1900–1914)

At the start of the 20th century, fireworks in Britain were largely produced by small, often family-run manufacturers. Many were clustered around industrial regions like London, the Midlands, and parts of northern England. Well-known names included Brock's Fireworks (formally C.T. Brock & Co.), Standard Fireworks, and Pain's Fireworks. These companies supplied public displays, royal celebrations, and the growing consumer market for Guy Fawkes Night.

Production was labour-intensive and often dangerous, relying on traditional black powder compositions. Regulation existed but was relatively light compared to later decades. The introduction of the 1875 Explosives Act had a significant impact and forced companies to operate with stricter controls - necessitating the creation of large factories.

World War I and interwar years (1914–1939)

During World War I, many fireworks factories shifted to munitions production or closed temporarily. Skilled workers were redirected to the war effort, and raw materials became scarce.

In the 1920s and 1930s, the industry recovered, with consumer fireworks becoming more popular again. Companies like Brock’s and Standard expanded their catalogues, producing a wide range of rockets, Roman candles, and novelty items for home use.  Public displays also became more elaborate, often tied to civic events.  Brock's displays at The Crystal Palace gained a world-wide reputation.

However, the industry as a whole still remained fragmented, with many of smaller firms competing regionally.  Companies such as Lion Fireworks (Lepton), Wilders Fireworks (Birmingham) and Wells Fireworks (Dartford) were very popular in their localities and established a loyal following.

World War II and immediate aftermath (1939–1950s)

World War II had an even greater impact. Fireworks production was heavily restricted or halted, both because of material shortages and safety concerns during wartime blackout conditions.

After the war, there was a strong resurgence in demand. The late 1940s and 1950s are often seen as a “golden age” for British fireworks. Consumer sales surged, especially around Guy Fawkes Night.  Large manufacturers like Brock’s, Standard, and Pain’s dominated, but a number of smaller companies entered the market and competed successfully.  Firms such as Astra, Rainbow, Excelsior, Wessex and Wizard were household names in many parts of the country.

Consolidation and regulation (1960s–1980s)

From the 1960s onward, several major changes reshaped the industry:

  • Stricter safety regulations: Accidents in factories and public concern led to tighter controls on manufacturing, storage, and sales.
  • Decline of small firms: Many smaller manufacturers couldn’t meet new regulatory or economic pressures and either closed or were absorbed by larger companies.
  • Corporate consolidation: Firms merged or were acquired. For example, Standard Fireworks became one of the dominant brands, while others like Brock’s gradually declined.

The industry suffered from some adverse publicity (associated with rising injury figures) and declining public interest in fireworks from the late 1960s. Public displays throughout the year were relatively uncommon during the 1970s.  During this period, British-made fireworks were still common, but imports—especially from Asia—began to increase as the 1980s progressed.

Globalisation and decline of domestic production (1980s–2000)

By the late 20th century, the industry had changed dramatically, mainly due to the following factors:

  • A shift to imports Cheaper mass production in countries like China undercut British manufacturers.
  • Brand survival vs. manufacturing decline Names like Standard Fireworks continued as brands, but much of their production had moved overseas by the end of the century
  • The end of historic firms: Many iconic British producers either shut down or ceased manufacturing. Brock’s Fireworks, for instance, eventually disappeared as an independent producer and were purchased by Standard

At the same time, public displays became more professionalised, with specialist pyrotechnic companies focusing on large-scale events rather than mass consumer goods.