REGATTA FIREWORKS PETER THEAKSTON
OPERATIONS MANAGER AND DISPLAY DESIGNER AT PAINS FIREWORKS Peter Theakston is no stranger when it comes to wowing the crowds at big displays, but it’s the first time he’s faced the Dartmouth Regatta fireworks. Steph Woolvin has been chatting to the new man in charge of delivering one of the town’s most popular events...
So Peter, a big challenge to take on, are you nervous? no, quite the opposite. I’m very excited and feel honoured to take on the role down in Dartmouth. I’m actually really looking forward to the challenge.
Who have you taken over from? For many years the regatta firework displays have been designed and choreographed by mike Jones, but after 30 years with pains, he’s decided to move to a company that creates explosives for films like bond, star Wars and Harry potter.
How long have you been in the trade? I’ve worked at pains for 13 years designing displays.
So, for this year’s display, how will you dazzle Dartmouth? With colour and big effects. Fireworks will start at water level and go up to 450 feet. each sequence will build in size, noise and intensity as they fire at various angles along the barge and hopefully will produce a spectacular 3D image. On the saturday, we’ll have a 16 minute display set to music based on the theme ‘sea and naval’.
I hear you have been working closely with the Naval College on this one? Yes, the programme was chosen by the Captain of the brnC, Henry Duffy, assisted by the musical director of the volunteer band, Colin Waller. We have met a few times and have been emailing for months. It promises to be a fantastic display which will include many of everyone’s favourites like Life on the Ocean Wave, rule britannia and Hearts of Oak, so get ready to clap along!
How tricky is it putting fireworks to music? Well I used to be a military musician so this is right up my street! I choreograph displays for weddings, concerts and tattoos and do enjoy adding music to these events. If you know how the fireworks operate then you can see them working with the music. You sit down and work it all out – as the colour of the music changes so to do the fireworks.
I understand the Regatta Committee has made the decision to revert back to having both displays opposite the Boat Float rather than one out towards the castle? Yes, weather permitting both thursday and saturday will be fired from a tms barge moored off the south embankment for maximum effect right in the centre of
Displays this regatta are: thursday 27th August 9.00pm saturday 29th August
9.00pm
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