Southport Musical Fireworks Championships

[redhed17]

I hadn't seen it mentioned, so just a heads up for those in the North West, the British Musical Fireworks Championships are in Southport over the next 3 days. Two displays a night, for about 15-20 minutes.

You can see more info about it all here. (http://www.visitsouthport.com/site/events/british-musical-fireworks-championships)

I've been for the last 3 years, and there are lots of opportunities to get your technique right for Bonfire Night, and get some nice pics in the process.

Here's a couple of mine from last year.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/redhed17/DSC_1175NCresize.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/redhed17/DSC_1146NCresize.jpg

I'll be there on 2 nights, probably Friday and Saturday.

Good luck if you go. :thumbs:

Looks like it won't be as cold as previous years. ;) Hopefully there'll be a nice sunset before it all kicks off as well. :)

[zeroeseight]

The first night looks to have the best displays?

[^Demon]

The First one is fantastic!!!! Great Job m8!!!!

[bulb763]

already scoped out my spot ;)

[petemc]

Ah you've had the same idea as me. I've been going to this since about 2003/4 and after a while just fireworks get boring. Last year I tried to include the bridge but I didn't really like the shots. I might go tomorrow. Even if I don't get any shots, its a night out :)

[Hawker]

Should be going up, couldn't go because of work tonight, anyone know if there is anything else in Southport to take pics of? might go up early in the daytime.

[petemc]

There's a pier, some streets, um... I'd be tempted to go for the day too just to explore a bit.

[bulb763]

There's loads (...more than what I have ever bothered to shoot (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7985255@N06/sets/72157600887171691/))! Pier, bridge, skate park, nice gardens along the prom, Lord Street, etc. There is also Churchtown, which is a neat little part of the town full of thatched cottages.

[redhed17]

Just got back. Haven't looked at the pics yet, as I'm still in the zone where they looked great on the camera, before the inevitable let down of the PC screen. :lol:

The place I took pics from last year is a building site. :eek: So good views were a bit limited. I'll have to get there a bit earlier tomorrow and have a scout about.

[petemc]

It is? Oh dear. Thats where I was going, where I always go.

[bulb763]

I stood a little further up from there tonight. There is about 20 yards of railings that aren't fenced off. And quiet too.

[zeroeseight]

Any good places to park and free?

[redhed17]

I stood a little further up from there tonight. There is about 20 yards of railings that aren't fenced off. And quiet too.
I'm planning on trying that position tomorrow. :) Though I'm hoping to get there a bit earlier than Friday, to have a proper look around for a good view.

Any good places to park and free?

For the last couple of years, when I've gone with friends in cars, we have parked in a car park opposite McDonalds on the round about. People didn't seen to be using this car park, instead going past it under the pier bridge to another car park. The car park we went in was for customers of 'Oceans something or other' and was pay and display, but the machine said the 1st two hours were free with a ticket, and next 2 hours £2.20. I think we were there for around 2 hours so no problem. :shrug: I don't quite understand how they work that car park, but we've never had any problems there. :)

[bulb763]

For the last couple of years, when I've gone with friends in cars, we have parked in a car park opposite McDonalds on the round about.

Either there, or the streets that run between, and parallel to, Lord Street and the prom are normally quite quiet. Free after 6 too.

[zeroeseight]

Thanks for the parking advice. The first of the displays was the best tonight, can't go wrong with a bit of A-Team. Sorry I couldn't make it to front Pete, could make out your head with your monkey hat, and redhead and benneh I believe next to you, it looked too crowded to get there.

[benneh]

Ey up :). I think that went alright. The first half for me was a bit crap (cheap tripod forcing me into landscape, and my overexposing), second half went well :). Glad I went.

[zeroeseight]

I went handheld so I'm not expecting much, a lot of underexposure with some camera shake no doubt. Probably a lot of sparkly bits with no streaks of light as I was shooting at 1/30.