PYROTECHNICS experts from all over the UK are putting the finishing touches to their displays as they prepare for one of the UK's leading fireworks extravaganzas.

The three-night Pleasureland British Musical Fireworks Championships takes place in Southport's Kings Gardens over the Marine Lake between Friday, September 12th and Sunday, September 14th.

Last year's event was a huge success attracting more than 50,000 people to the town to watch six of the country's top firms of pyrotechnics experts battling it out for the coveted title.

After a hard-fought competition, the judges selected Spitfire Pyrotechnics, from Nuneaton, as the winners and they will be back in Southport next month to defend their title.

The other competitors are: Essex Pyrotechnics Ltd, of Saffron Walden; Dragon Dynasty Pyrotechnics, of Slip End, Bedfordshire; Pyro 1, of Harpenden, Hertfordshire; 1st Galaxy Fireworks Ltd, of Nottingham and Pendragon Fireworks, of Cwmbran, Gwent.

New for 2003 will be a breathtaking display from the RAF Hawks Parachute Display Team which will open the Pleasureland British Musical Fireworks Championships each evening. All members of the team are experienced instructors with outstanding ability in freefall parachuting.

The audience will see the team perform one of their demanding and spectacular displays after which they will be available to answer any questions about the RAF.

Also new this year is a fireworks demonstration with competition clerk Chris Hutchinson. Chris will give lessons in fireworks so that members of the audience know the difference between a candle and a shell and a rocket and a battery so that they can judge the displays for themselves.

Lord Fearn, Sefton's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said: "The championships give people the chance to see some of the country's top fireworks companies in action. The increasing number of companies wishing to take part is a strong indication of just how successful the competition is and visitors will be treated to six displays of pyrotechnic wizardry, synchronising fireworks and music on a scale that is seldom seen anywhere in the world.."

As in previous years there will be two displays a night, with each one lasting between 15 and 18 minutes. The judges will score the competitors on the variety and impact of the fireworks and the way they are synchronised to the music.

The companies taking part are given a free hand regarding their choice of accompanying music and, in order to give their displays the maximum impact, competitors import fireworks from all over the world.

Each display uses around half a ton of fireworks and costs more than £300 a minute. Some of the individual fireworks are fired up to 1000 feet in the air.

On all nights the gates open at 7pm, followed by the Parachute Display Team from 7.15pm. The firework demonstrations with commentary start at 8.30pm with the firework displays from 9pm.

Tickets cost £3.50 for adults, £10 for a family pass and £2.50 per person for groups of ten people or more. A £30 family pass is also available for the three nights. Tickets are available by telephoning 01704 540011.

For further information visit HERE or telephone the events hotline on 01704 395511.