Who took the BMFC 2025 Champion of Champions title?

THE British Musical Firework Championships (BMFC) was held on:- 29 September 2025, on Victoria Park, Southport, Merseyside with 5 teams competing for the converted prise of Champion of Champions. This year the event had hoped to have a drown display on both nights, but the rain stopped them from performing on the Saturday, but 3 good fretwork displays and a fantastic band Highway made up for them not flying. The event was extremely well attuned, even on the wet Saturday night, with:-  Imperial Lotus SE (2023 winners), Dragon Fireworks (2021 winners), and Optimum Fireworks (2022 winners) all firing.  On Sunday, the weather was cooler than in previous weeks, but dry. Wind, like the night before was minimal and conditions were perfect for the drowns. The team DrownSwam put on a small, but imaginative display, showing off iconic symbols of the local area, from Sand lizards and Natterjack Toads, to the Red Squirrel and the beach. Then came the main action, with 2 competing teams displays. 1st off was:- Pyrotex Fireworks (2010 and 2011 winners) followed by:- Bright Sparks (2016 and 2024 winners).  Both delivering ear deafening and visually stunning displays. But it was the end display, that stole the night. Ending this amazing event with a blast was a very special exhibition display, that was also marking the retirement of the main judge from the show, along with his retirement from the firework display industry and his firm Jubilee Fireworks.  His team, Jubilee Fireworks  (1999 and 2008 winner) put on what was an amazingly loud and very well choreographed display, bringing what had been 2 nights of pyrotechnic wizardry to a very satisfying conclusion. We will have lots more photos and if YouTube doesn't block them again, video from the 2 nights, in our next issue.  These are a few photos to wet your appetite..  But who won?  Let us know your thoughts about this eventc by emailing our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com, alternatively please send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter.

Liverpool Seafarers Centre Recognised as a UK's Best Workplace in Multiple Categories

FOLLOWING its certification as 1 of the UK's Best Places to Work, Liverpool Seafarers Centre (LSC) has been further honored by Great Place to Work®. The charity has now been named 1 of the UK's Best Workplaces in both the:- Retail, Hospitality and Leisure category and the Charity, and Not for profit category for 2025.

This dual recognition highlights the Liverpool Seafarers Centre's exceptional commitment to creating a supportive and engaging environment for its staff and volunteers, who are the backbone of its vital support for seafarers. The award is particularly meaningful as it is based on feedback directly from the people who work and volunteer there, reflecting a culture built on trust, respect, and a shared dedication to the mission.

John Wilson, Chief Executive of Liverpool Seafarers Centre commented:- "We are absolutely delighted to be given recognition within these 2 unique employment categories. This award is a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire team."

Brian Bennett, a volunteer at LSC for over 30 years, shared his perspective:- "A lot of my contentment and happiness comes from serving others less fortunate than myself."

The Liverpool Seafarers Centre offers essential services to seafarers, including:- welfare support, communication facilities, and a safe space to relax. These services are delivered with compassion and professionalism, thanks to the collective effort of the LSC team.