31 replies to this topic

[RegimentalPyro]

The UK Pyrotechnic society - Events

As you know the UK pyrotechnic society organises a number of events for the benefit of its members. As well as an annual convention [where tutorials and workshops are given], we have arranged a factory tour of Kimbolton fireworks, and organised many "meet and greet" events around the country. These events have proved highly successful in the past and we are committed to continuing them in the future.

The UKPS is keen to be representative of the pyrotechnic community, and would therefore like to hear its ideas for possible future events, visits and workshops.

Please post all such ideas under this thread - All sensible legal suggestions will be considered.

[sizzle]

Idea: The UKPS Christmas Meet-up/display?

[Richard H]

Care to elaborate?

[sizzle]

Care to elaborate?

A meet-up of all UKPS members just before Christmas where members can discuss their plans for new years, events coming up in the next year etc and just a general pyro chat. Followed by a nice display to finish the evening, just before Christmas.

[Richard H]

Well I anticipate we will be holding our AGM in december, I am sure a social sideline to this could be arranged.

[Gavin]

I think a couple of workshops on the following lines would be very interesting:-

Show set up - manual firing. General layout, securing of racks, cakes, rockets etc. Fusing methods used in practise for candles, cakes, mines, mortars, fountains, rockets, lancework, etc. Put in delays, link multiple items, waterproofing etc. It would be good to know how the professionals do it.

Electrical firing - How the show is scripted on computer, how it's wired up from computer to sequencer ... to e-match. How e-matches are safely and securely fastened to the common pyro items.

[sizzle]

I think a couple of workshops on the following lines would be very interesting:-

Show set up - manual firing. General layout, securing of racks, cakes, rockets etc. Fusing methods used in practise for candles, cakes, mines, mortars, fountains, rockets, lancework, etc. Put in delays, link multiple items, waterproofing etc. It would be good to know how the professionals do it.

Electrical firing - How the show is scripted on computer, how it's wired up from computer to sequencer ... to e-match. How e-matches are safely and securely fastened to the common pyro items.

So Cat 4 training basically?

[Gavin]

So Cat 4 training basically?

I certainly wasn't thinking that. The workshops at the first UKPS convention were less than an hour which would be enough time to give an insight how the pro's do things, but no way training. I thought it would be an interesting workshop that's all. Maybe my original post was more detailed than needed, just trying to come up with some ideas that would interest others.

[sizzle]

Oh! I was under the impression that this site was only for those who already held a Cat 4 licence?
I mean all those 10,000s of posts about making fountains or ANY kind of firework must be made by people with a Cat 4 licence.

So by that account 99.9% of members already has a Cat 4 licence.

Hell! I must be the only member here who doesn't have one.

That's why I can't post about such things as you all do!

There is no such thing as a Cat 4 lisence. You mean a making and storage lisence. You do not need a lisence to posess/buy Cat 4.

[ProfHawking]

You need a storage liCence and (normally year round) 3rd party liability insurance to buy cat4.
Manufacturing is a whole different ball game...


I like the idea of a course on show layout and design. It doesnt have to be specifically cat4 does it. It could improve shows we all fire with cat3 as well. Accounting for fallout space, what to do with weather, firing order & patterns...
Yes i think it would be very worthwhile for nearly everyone. Even the people who have done lots before might be able to swap tips & tricks etc.

[BrightStar]

Yes i think it would be very worthwhile for nearly everyone. Even the people who have done lots before might be able to swap tips & tricks etc.

Seconded... some insight into the the choreography of displays would be welcome. How to combine colours and effects, how to sequence intros / side shows / finales etc. Even some of the business aspects of organising shows would be useful, managing events, winning contracts and so on...

Some of us might just be the pro's of the future

Regarding events in general, one of the striking things about the UKPS convention was how fun it was to be able to talk about pyro matters with forum members in person. Maybe the UKPS could organise a simple pub trip every couple of months, in a different town around the country each time, just to meet up and share our experiences...

Edited by BrightStar, 18 October 2006 - 10:50 PM.

[BigG]

Regarding events in general, one of the striking things about the UKPS convention was how fun it was to be able to talk about pyro matters with forum members in person. Maybe the UKPS could organise a simple pub trip every couple of months, in a different town around the country each time, just to meet up and share our experiences...

But we do... There were a few "meet the UKPS" events. A few more will be published shortly.