British Fireworks Championships in Plymouth dedicated to the victims of mass shooting
Five heart-shaped fireworks will be set off on Wednesday and Thursday evening
Last updated 18th Aug 2021
Five heart-shaped fireworks will be set off at the annual British Firework Championships event in memory of those killed in the Plymouth shooting.
The special tribute to Maxine Davison, Sophie Martyn, Lee Martyn, Stephen Washington, and Kate Shepherd will happen on Wednesday and Thursday evening at 9.15pm.
Questions were raised around whether the event should go ahead at all, but Plymouth City Council confirmed it would and the championships would be dedicated to the victims.
Leader of Plymouth City Council, Nick Kelly, said: "We have thought long and hard about whether the event should go ahead or not but after listening to many people’s views we’ve decided to dedicate these two nights to the victims.
"We’ve also spoken to members of the community in Keyham to get their views. We know the firework championships are something children, in particular, love. It is an event that brings joys to thousands and it brings Plymouth Together.
"Everyone in attendance is invited to shine a light from their phones during the one-minute silence that will be held before the five individual fireworks are launched to signify each life lost during the recent tragic event in Keyham".
The fireworks tribute and silence will be followed by a minute's round of applause in memory of Maxine, Sophie, Lee, Stephen and Kate and to celebrate their lives.
There will also be opportunities for visitors to make a donation to support the families and communities affected.
Three 10-minute firework displays will then take place each day, beginning at 9.30pm.
People across the city are being asked not to set off any of their own fireworks this week and instead attend the planned display.
As well as speaking to members of the community, event organisers have consulted with the local MP Luke Pollard and ward councillors.
Organisers say the championships, that have taken place every year since 1997 (apart from last year because of the pandemic) are synonymous with Plymouth, an opportunity to come together as a community and show the best of the city.
The event takes place on Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th August.