British fireworks competition in Plymouth dedicated to five Keyham shooting victims

The year's British Fireworks Championship is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Keyham shooting incident on 12 August.

People gathered on Plymouth Hoe on 18 August for a one-minute silence and shone lights from their phones.

Then at 9.15pm, five red heart-shaped fireworks were launched individually into the night's sky in memory of the victims.

This act of remembrance was then followed by a minute-long round of applause.

Earlier that day, a special service was held at St Andrews Church in Plymouth.

Margaret Woodfield from Saltash, who went to the service and later watched the fireworks, said: "It was moving to see the red hearts, but it's important to be at an event that celebrated life as well as recognise those who died."

The five victims of the Keyham shooting:

• Maxine Davison, also known as Maxine Chapman, aged 51, who was the gunman's mother;

• Sophie Martyn, aged three, and her father Lee Martyn, 43;

• Stephen Washington, 59;

• Kate Shepherd, 66, who was injured at the scene and died later at Derriford Hospital.

After the tribute, the three competing fireworks teams set a high standard, each finishing their 10 displays with strong finales. Another three teams competed on 19 August.

Aurora Fireworks was crowned the winners of the British Firework Championships 2021. Second place went to Fully Fused Fireworks and Phoenix Fireworks came third.

The competition is hosted by Plymouth City Council in partnership with The Event Services Association (TESA) and this was the 24th event. The competition has been held annually since 1997, apart from last year when it was affected by the pandemic.

Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “After a two-year absence due to coronavirus, it was fantastic to be able to host the Championships again, bringing joy to our local communities and welcoming visitors back to Plymouth. My congratulations go Aurora Fireworks for their spectacular winning display.”