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Watch folks. Just a quick apologetic post to say that I phoned Epic on Boxing Day but they said they were shut, so I didn't go. As the guy who answered sounded like he was at home with the kids I didn't drill him on their plans for moving.

Yes, I picked up a Sky Thriller after all the positive comments I'd read, some even saying it'd put The King in the shade. While it was a pleasant piece it paled in comparison to that hefty lump of Danish royalty in every important department - beauty, spread, duration, and definitely number of "oohs" from the crowd (even though I think my brother "oohed" twice which might have upset the count).

I'm also working my way through a Supreme pack, which is certainly great value for money and has a nice variety of effects so far.

I don't know why I got so excited about rockets this year though; I never have before. There was just something about those vulgarly long sticks and pregnant, swollen casings that made me throw reason out of the window. For a garden display it was so much more thrilling to have that fanned wall of glorious golden effects that Open Fire threw up than any one rocket, and from what you say about The King's new price it's now easier on the pocket too.

Ahhh, fireworks; bewitching the senses again!

I'm hoping to nip in to Epic on Boxing Day to pick up a couple of pieces to thrill the family. I'll see what the Epic folks have to say about the move, but as I only live up the road I'm hoping it's all wishful Barnsley thinking.

I was also there just after Bonfire Night to buy for a late (small) party. I'm both a new forum user and a recently solvent firework fan so it was a treat to read all the consumer reviews on this and other sites before I bought.

Of what I fired I particularly enjoyed Fragma, Final Dynasty, and Heavy Duty but the treat was an Open Fire capped off with a The King rocket which, like my jaw, hung forever. Now with the even lower prices I can't think of a reason not to buy another Open Fire.

I also found them very pleasant chaps who knew their business and weren't pushy, even if I did have to take their claimed reductions with a pinch of salt. In particular something like "The King" isn't being made anymore and was on sale last year at Northern Fireworks for £15 so to claim it has an RRP of £40 in order to sell it at £20 but still maintain their "less than half price" claim seems distinctly disingenuous. Damn good rocket though.


Anyway, here's wishing you all a
Very Merry Christmas and an Explosive New Year