What are the Different Types of Firework?

One of the big advantages of fireworks is the wide range of categories and types, each offering alternative effects. Whether you live in a quiet residential area and need low noise fireworks, or you have a small, compact garden with limited safety distance, there is a perfect firework for every space.

Outside of needing to use different types of fireworks for practical reasons, such as safety and noise, it’s always fun to have a wide range of fireworks to fire during a display. Mixing different high-altitude bursts and ground-level fountains always creates a professional-looking, choreographed display for your audience, no matter how skilled a pyrotechnician you are.

If you’re attending a public fireworks display yourself, it’s always fun spotting the different types of fireworks and effects, whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast yourself or just enjoy explaining the magic to your children.

In this guide, we break down the most common types of fireworks, how they work and showcase videos of our 2026 top-rated picks for each category.

Rockets

Rockets are cylindrical fireworks that launch into the sky before bursting into colourful displays. They typically have a long stick attached to stabilise their flight and are known for their loud whistling noise as they ascend.

Below are our best-selling rocket fireworks:

Fountains

Fountains are ground-based fireworks that emit showers of sparks and coloured flames. They’re characterised by a steady spray of effects and can vary in height and duration, creating a mesmerising visual display.

Below are our best-selling fountain fireworks:

Mines

Mines are fireworks that explode close to the ground, sending up a sudden burst of stars and effects. They are usually used to create dramatic beginnings or endings to firework displays.

Below are our best-selling mine fireworks:

Roman Candles

Roman candles are long tubes that shoot out multiple colourful stars and fireballs. They are handheld fireworks and are fired one shot at a time, often in rapid succession.

Below are our best selling roman candles fireworks:

Cakes & Barrages

Cakes (or barrages) are multiple-tube fireworks fused together in a single unit. When ignited, they produce a series of aerial effects such as starbursts, comets, and whistles in a rapid sequence, creating a continuous and varied display.

Below are our best selling cakes and barrages fireworks:

Catherine Wheels

Catherine wheels are large, rotating fireworks that are attached to a pole or a structure. When lit, they spin rapidly, emitting sparks and colours in a circular pattern. 

Below are our best selling catherine wheels fireworks:

Sparklers

Sparklers are handheld fireworks that produce a shower of sparks when lit. They are often used at celebrations and events, especially by children, and can be waved around to create patterns of light.

Below are our best-selling sparkler fireworks:

Smoke Grenades

Smoke grenades are non-explosive fireworks that emit coloured smoke when ignited. They are commonly used for visual effects in daytime displays, photography, and tactical signalling.