About Us

My passion for pyrotechnics began circa 1979 when, as a 5 year old, my then primary school head-teacher decided to have a Bonfire Night firework display. I remember him setting up all the live fireworks in the school assembly hall for us to see; old-school British made fireworks by Standard of Huddersfield. The impression that left upon me has lasted a lifetime. After years of using consumer fireworks I turned professional around 2005 and trained with a Luton based company under the auspices of the British Pyrotechnists Association, attaining both Level 1 and 2.

By 2009 I had joined a Leicester based company where I spent the next 14 years designing displays and managing clients. I enjoy competition work and have co-written three large displays for Firework Champions 2019 Ragley Hall (a win), 2022 Stamford Hall and the 2023 British Fireworks to Music Championship where we were placed a creditable 3rd out of 6. During my time as a pyrotechnician I’ve fired displays in some fairly unusual places, from the tops of tower blocks to barges, but one notable memory goes back to a world record attempt in 2009, something that not many pyros have on their CV!

Arilan Pyrotechnics is named after the two biggest and most important influences in my life; my children Arielle and Lachlan.

I have been passionate about pyrotechnics since lighting my first firework around the age of 4, under the careful supervision of my late uncle. That was now 46 years ago, and like so many in the professional industry spent many years using consumer fireworks until I turned professional in 1992. I qualified with the British Pyrotechnists Association in both Level 1 (firer) and Level 2 (senior). During my professional career I have fired and assisted on shows for 17 international companies across 14 different countries, totaling in excess of 1600 professional shows. I have formerly worked as a lead trainer and have been the site lead on over half of the displays I have worked on.

I ran my own display / retail company for some 9 years and have designed over 300 displays to date. It has also been my privilege to work on one official and two unofficial World records.

I had a keen interest in pyrotechnics for many years prior to becoming a professional pyrotechnician. After extensive experience with consumer fireworks, I took the opportunity whilst at a local rugby club display to speak to the company who were firing it that night. That was 10 years ago now. Since that time, I have fired a huge number of professional shows and have designed firework displays myself, including the rugby club show I had been watching that night back in 2014. I have experience of being on large-scale professional competition displays, including Firework Champions and the British Fireworks to Music Championship. I love putting on shows for clients and showing the crowd what we as pyrotechnicians can do

I’ve had a love for fireworks for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was always excited to watch firework displays – those early experiences left a lasting impression and sparked a lifelong fascination with pyrotechnics.
In recent years, I’ve been lucky enough to turn that passion into hands-on experience. From working with garden fireworks to now being part of large-scale professional shows, each step has deepened my appreciation for the craft. I recently had the opportunity to be involved in my first major professional display, and from that moment, I was hooked.

Since then, I’ve been learning everything I can – from the science behind the effects to the art of creating beautiful co-ordinated shows. I’m constantly inspired by the talent around me and feel incredibly fortunate to work with some of the very best in the business at Arilan Pyrotechnics.

Its an exciting time to be part of this growing company and I’m looking forward to what the future holds. Every show is a new opportunity to learn, improve and create something unforgettable.

In 2022 my son-in-law introduced me to the pyrotechnics industry. As a parent, I found that fireworks became a cherished tradition for celebrating Bonfire Night and New Years Eve in our back garden. As an employee of a pyrotechnics company I have thoroughly enjoyed the entire process, from wiring and firing to operating the firing system. The most rewarding aspect of my work is the ability to enhance someone’s experience whilst doing something I love

My interest in pyrotechnics stems from a deep curiosity about how science can create moments of awe and wonder. What initially drew me in was the visual spectacle of fireworks, but over time I became fascinated by the chemistry, engineering and precise craftsmanship behind every display. Pyrotechnics is a unique intersection of art and science – where chemical reactions, timing and design come together to evoke emotion and captivate audiences.

Through self-study and hands-on exploration, I’ve developed a growing understanding of combustion reactions, safety protocols and colour formulation. I’m particularly intrigued by how small changes in chemical composition can lead to vastly different effects – highlighting both the complexity and the creativity involved in the field. Beyond the technical side, I value the responsibility that comes with working safely and ethically in an area where precision is not just important – its essential.

Pyrotechnics continues to challenge me intellectually and creatively and I’m eager to further develop my skills, connect with others who share this passion, and contribute meaningfully to the craft.

I have been interested in and fascinated by pyrotechnics for quite some time, but I’ve never been in a position to explore this interest. Working with Arilan Pyrotechnics gives me this opportunity.

I have spent some years now using consumer “garden” fireworks. Like many people who become part of the world of professional pyrotechnics, I would watch large scale shows such as London New Years Eve and wonder how such a thing was achieved behind the scenes. I now have a number of professional displays to my name with Arilan Pyrotechnics. Its extremely satisfying to watch a display fire, to see all the people that come to watch and know you had a hand in making it happen