Glossary
This page helps to get an idea of firework related effects and their names
Lancework
Writing with fire!
Company names for corporate events, initials and love hearts for weddings, names and ages for birthdays, good night and any type of message spelt out in burning coloured lettering.
You spell it, or draw it, we display it and show it at your event.
Waterfall
A suspended line of beautiful falling silver sparks.
These can be used as the example in this picture where the sparks fall to the ground or for a larger effect they can be supported from much higher structures such as buildings where the sparks are able to burn out after falling as far as 10m.
Heart Shells
Does as it says on the tin, very popular at wedding events. I'm such a romantic aren't I!
Although "pattern break" shells do always display their image in the sky, because it is impossible to guarantee them bursting in an orientation that makes them correctly displayed from the audiences viewpoint (upside down is annoying but on the side and tilted flat results in a 2D image looking like a line) so we usually fire a series of shells in succession to better the chances of some being correctly displayed.
Smiley Face Shells
Guess what......... Look like a smiling face in the sky.
Although "pattern break" shells always display their intended image in the sky, because it is impossible to guarantee them bursting in an orientation that makes them correctly displayed from the audiences position (upside down is annoying but on the side and tilted flat results in a 2D image looking like a line) so we usually fire a series of shells in succession to better the chances of some being correctly displayed.
Ring Shells
Yep it bursts to show a large expanding coloured ring, very suitable in white/silver and yellow for engagement and wedding events.
Although "pattern break" shells always display their intended image in the sky, because it is impossible to guarantee them bursting in an orientation that makes them correctly displayed from the audiences position (upside down is annoying but on the side and tilted flat results in a 2D image looking like a line) so we usually fire a series of shells in succession to better the chances of some being correctly displayed.
Khoom Fay Lanterns
Have you and your guests participate in the display yourselves. These friendly and safe floating lanterns are easy for anybody to use and suitable for even younger children with close supervision.
Simply open the pack, carefully open the lanterns balloon, attach the wax fuel and light (We are more than happy to help with all of this, especially the lighting), hold it open until it begins to rise and release gently and for maximum effect and great photo opportunities have your audience release them all at once.
Sparklers
Another great way to get your guests involved!
We stock a wide range of different types of sparklers and will happily distribute them to your guests, aid with lighting them and then safely dispose of the sparklers after use
Great for photographic opportunities!
Starting Plunger
A perfect countdown opportunity!
This is an authentic plunger imported and restored to its former glory.
With a new extended handle, this is the perfect way for an individual or couple to start your display.
Multi shot Cakes
A cake is a cluster of individual tubes linked together using a fuse and therefore requiring only one ignition.
They come in two main forms, straight firing or fanned. There are thousands of different effects and combinations available and range from a few large shots to sometimes 1000s of smaller shots!
These usually form the bulk of most professional displays.
Roman Candles
A Roman candle is a long tube containing several large stars which fire at a regular interval. These are commonly arranged in fan shapes or crisscrossing shapes, at a closer proximity to the audience.
The come in a wide variety of different sizes, effects and "shot numbers" with some larger Roman candles contain small shells (bombettes) rather than stars.
Mines
A mine is a ground level firework, designed to shoot stars or other effects into the air.
Shot from a tube like a shell, these come in many effects including colours, whistles, loud bangs and serpents.
These are perfect for marking the major "beats" during pyromusicals due to their instant ignition.
Peony Shells
This is the most common form of shell type used in professional firework displays.
It consists of a spherical break of coloured stars, that burn without tails. ;
We stock peony shells in a variety of colours, effects (including strobing and colour changing) and sizes
Chrysanthemum Effect / Shell
This is a similar effect to the peony shell listed above, however with a Chrysanthemum burst the stars leave a visible tail of sparks behind.
Again these are highly popular in all displays and come in a variety of colours, effects and sizes.
Palm Shell / Effect
This is a shell containing a relatively few large comet stars arranged in such a way as to burst with large arms or tendrils, producing a palm tree-like effect. Proper palm shells also feature a thick rising tail that displays as the shell ascends, thereby simulating the tree trunk to further enhance the "palm tree" effect.
Some Palm effect shells also contain a burst of color inside the palm burst (given by a small insert shell) to simulate coconuts as in the picture!
Strobe Shell / Effect
The "Disney firework" as our guests have called it!
This shell produces flashing stars, providing the Disney style glittering effect. These shells come in a range of colours and sizes.
Maroon or Salute Shell / Effect
A maroon or salute shell is intended to produce a loud report rather than a visual effect, perfect for those wanting a high impact display. Salute shells usually contain flash powder, producing a quick flash followed by a very loud report. Titanium may be added to the flash powder mix to produce a cloud of bright sparks around the flash.
Salutes are commonly used in large quantities during finales to create intense noise and brightness.
Willow Shell / Effect
The ultimate ending to nearly every firework display!
These shells burst to leave long lasting stars with tails falling slowly to the ground, filling the sky with light.
A favourite for our team, we carry willow shells up to 6" in stock, with up to 12" available on request (please contact us for individual requests)
Colour Matching
Fireworks are produced in practically every colour imaginable, with hundreds of different variations. At all times we try to stock a wide range of colours in both shells and cakes, so that we are able to match the colour of a display to your wedding theme
We offer this free of charge unless special fireworks need to be ordered last minute, so if you have a more unusual selection of colours please contact us early to avoid disappointment
Entrance / Exit Fireworks
Arrive at your venue or leave in style through a shimmering corridor of light. Much better than the traditional confetti, these "ice" fountains can line driveways and entrances for the ultimate photographic opportunity.
Darkness is not necessary, but will enhance the effect and the usual restriction of 11pm firing time does not apply, as these fountains are almost silent.
We can also use our indoor and virtually smokeless fountains to line corridors or frame doorways to bring the fireworks into the party!
Photographic Firework Backdrop
Want to be sure your firework display can be captured perfectly? We can arrange to fire in collaboration with your photographer, a number of "single sequence" shell bursts (or other effect) to light up the sky, while your guests can be arranged facing the camera, not actually watching the display. This can be one single set of shell bursts or the same sequence fired at the photographers' convenience repeatedly.
Alternatively, if your photographer will have finished before your display is fired or if you do not have one present, our in house photographer will happily arrange to capture this moment at very little cost. Please see our other services page for more information.
Pyromusical Displays
Have us choose your fireworks by style, tempo and effect to match the musical track/s of your choice. We digitally fire your entire display to match your song/s in the sky. We have designed to a wide range of different tracks, including the 1812 Overture performed live by the Halle Orchestra, to romantic songs selected by couples getting married, to upbeat and sometimes themed medleys for bonfire night displays.
Due to the nature of a pyromusical, the planning involved and the type of fireworks they require, they are only available to larger budgets. They utilise many single shot effects rather than multi shot cakes. As this feature includes PA playing of your song/s it includes complimentary use of our high end sound system.
Please view our Past Work page for videos of a small selection of our previous pyromusicals
