Rockets are what we think of as a classic firework. A one-shot firework, attached to a stick, launched individually from a tube in the ground.

They take off with a whoosh and explode in the air – usually with a single burst effect but also available as a double burst (aka a double effect or double shot).

They can be one of the most spectacular fireworks with larger effects creating a brief but impactful, sky-filling display. In fact, the very biggest rockets can reach 100 metres or more.

If you are looking for a smaller effect, some of the smaller rockets create more of a “pop” than a large bang. Use the videos and explosive content as a guide to their size.

Barrages, also known as cakes, single-ignition fireworks or multi-shot fireworks, are essentially a collection of firework shots, connected together in a box that you light just once.

They come in a huge variety of sizes and differ vastly in the amount of shots per box.

To light a barrage, you only need to ignite one fuse, after which you can watch a stunning fireworks display lasting anywhere between 20 seconds and four and a half minutes. 

Barrages contain all sorts of different ariel effects and some may even contain fountain like ground effects that add to the display - check the descriptions and videos.

In the lower price ranges the effects tend to be a bit more repetitive, that said there are some gems to be found that have great variety. As you go up the price ladder they tend to get larger in terms of the size of the effects but also in their variation. Some even sending multiple shots up into the air at the same time, in a fan effect, to really fill the sky.

Barrages are ideal if you want a more impactful display, their quick firing effects are exciting but also come with minimal effort and are perfect for New Years Eve, weddings and parties. 

If you are heading to a fireworks party and are asked to bring something, we would suggest one of our mid-range barrages that will not only be an impressive piece on its own but also work well within a larger fireworks display.

A barrage pack is a selection of barrages that are sold together as a set. This often works out as a cheaper way to buy fireworks – think of it as a multipack of fireworks!

Barrage packs are good if you are short on time and need to make your budget go further or to bulk out a larger display.

A roman candle firework is a long tube that shoots out balls or stars of light, one after the other. The pulse-like effect shoots up into the sky and is visible from the moment it leaves the ground.

Roman candles tend to have smaller or no large effect at the top of their path, their effects are focused/displayed as they make their way into the sky.

Fountains are fireworks that are ground-based. Once lit, they erupt beautifully coloured sparks and often whistle or crackle in a fountain-style effect.

A favourite with smaller children and those wishing to avoid any large bangs.

A Catherine wheel is a firework in the shape of a circle which spins round and round, emitting a range of colours, sparks and pops as it rotates.

A Catherine wheel must be attached to a post with a good clearance space around it. The Catherine Wheel is attached with a nail (usually included) that is hammered in enough to prevent it spinning off but not so much as it prevents turning.

Popular across the board and with those wishing to avoid any large bangs. 

Sparklers are very small hand-held fireworks that, as they burn, create a sparkling effect.

Gloves must always be worn when handling sparklers and a bucket of water must be present. Children (under 18) with sparklers must always be accompanied by an adult.

For smaller children we recommend pushing the sparkler into a carrot and allowing the child to grip this instead.

At Home Delivery Fireworks our experts have created a range of fireworks display kits. These are choreographed displays that help you to put on an impressive event with a range of effects but without the hassle of putting it together. These fireworks display kits work out as excellent value fireworks as huge discounts are applied.

Fireworks selection boxes contain a range of smaller fireworks – including fountains, small barrages, roman candles, small rockets and occasionally Catherine wheels.

These are ideal for those who wish to have a longer lasting display in the garden, with a good selection of small fireworks, but without anything too impactful or loud.

Selection boxes are popular for Diwali and Chinese New Year as they usually have a range of brightly coloured effects.

It’s important to remember that fireworks will always make a sound. Even low noise will have a pop or fizz.

However, if you wish to set off low noise fireworks – for people with autism or due to animals, for example – there are some low noise rockets that have a nice visual effect with very minimal sound. Some fountains and Catherine Wheels are low-noise but please note that sometimes even a quieter ground-based firework can affect those with sensory sensitivities due to the closer proximity of the effect to the audience.

We always recommend watching the videos to give you a better understanding of what you're purchasing.

Consumer fireworks are given a classification of 1.4G or 1.3G. This classification makes a fairly big difference to the power of the firework – 1.4G are less powerful than 1.3G.

1.4G fireworks are more common mostly because many shops/online retailers don’t have a 1.3G licence – at Home Delivery Fireworks we are experts with licences to retail both 1.4G and 1.3G.  

1.4G fireworks are fantastic and will give you an incredible fireworks display – some offer a low-noise option but even some of the larger stuff has an impressive bang. 

However, those with a larger garden and/or looking for something a bit more impactful may wish to opt for 1.3G fireworks. These fireworks pack more punch, with louder bangs, brighter colours and larger effects. 

You'll see some of our barrage fireworks marked as fan effect or fan barrage. This means that rather than all of the shots being directed straight up into the sky they are placed at a slight angle to each other, creating a fan shape. This small difference in angle on the ground is magnified in the air, producing the most impressive sky filling displays.

Double burst effects or double shot effects are usually found in rockets and barrages. Once the shot has left the ground it will burst in the air giving off its first effect but then carry on higher into the sky to delivery its second effect.