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What you need for a fireworks show

A fireworks show needs more than fireworks and an ignition system. You will also need clearly separated public and storage areas, lighting, barriers, fire-safety equipment, and practical supplies for drinks and snacks. Plan serving equipment for the full audience, then add enough safety gear for every person working near the display. Buy or reserve specialist items early, especially professional fireworks, transport cases and toilets, because late availability can affect the entire setup.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

  • Party tentsqty 2
  • Foldable tablesqty 6
  • Folding chairsqty 40
  • Blanketsqty 6

Equipment

  • Coolersqty 4
  • Kettlesqty 2
  • Coffee machinesqty 2
  • Walkie-talkiesqty 6

Lighting

  • LED lampsqty 8
  • Extension cordsqty 6
  • Cable reelsqty 3

Safety

  • Fire extinguishersqty 4
  • Buckets of fire waterqty 4
  • Sandbagsqty 10
  • First aid kitsqty 2
  • Safety vestsqty 10
  • Safety gogglesqty 4
  • Work glovesqty 6
  • Crowd control barriersqty 20
  • Barrier tapeqty 4
  • Warning signsqty 8
  • Flashlightsqty 6

Fireworks

  • Professional fireworks
  • Ignition system
  • Fireworks transport casesqty 6
  • Protective filmqty 2

Tableware

  • Reusable glassesqty 100
  • Reusable cupsqty 150
  • Platesqty 100
  • Cutlery setsqty 100

Kitchen

  • Serving plattersqty 12
  • Serving spoonsqty 8
  • Thermos flasksqty 4

Decorations

  • Tableclothsqty 6

Cleaning

  • Waste binsqty 8
  • Dustpan and brushqty 3

Catering

  • Groceries
    • Coffee - 2 packs
    • Tea - 4 boxes
    • Sugar - 1 kilo
    • Milk - 6 liters
    • Oat milk - 3 liters
    • Cola - 12 bottles
    • Cola Zero - 12 bottles
    • Orange soda - 8 bottles
    • Iced tea - 8 bottles
    • Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
    • Spa Rood - 6 bottles
    • Apple juice - 4 packs
    • Orange juice - 4 cartons
    • Paprika chips - 6 bags
    • Plain chips - 6 bags
    • Tortilla chips - 6 bags
    • Salsa - 4 jars
    • Salted peanuts - 4 bags
    • Cheese cubes - 3 kilo
    • Grapes - 3 kilos
    • Apples - 40 pieces
    • Cucumber - 6 pieces
    • Carrots - 3 kilos
    • Hummus - 6 tubs
    • Baguettes - 12 pieces
    • Herb butter - 6 tubs
    • Mini pizza rolls - 120 pieces
    • Mini cheese soufflés - 120 pieces
    • Vegetarian snacks - 80 pieces
    • Vegan appetizers - 40 pieces
    • Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
    • Gluten-free snacks - 20 pieces
    • Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
    • Ketchup - 2 bottles
    • Mustard - 2 jars
    • Lemons - 10 pieces
    • Ice cubes - 10 bags
    • Paper towels - 6 rolls
    • Toilet paper - 24 rolls
    • Hand soap - 4 bottles
    • Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
    • Trash bags - 4 rolls

Tips

  • Separate display equipment from public supplies when shopping. Keep professional fireworks, ignition equipment and transport cases together, while tables, reusable cups, plates and catering items go to a different setup area.
  • Plan at least one visible light source at each entrance, catering point and walkway. Use extension cords and cable reels only where they can be secured and kept away from public foot traffic.
  • Prepare more than one way to control a small fire: place fire extinguishers and buckets of water where the crew can reach them within a few seconds, and keep sandbags available for securing equipment and barriers.
  • Give every crew member working around the display a safety vest, suitable gloves and a flashlight. Keep safety glasses available for handling and setup, not just for the person operating the ignition system.
  • Do not leave drink service until the last hour. Chill cups, glasses and drinks before guests arrive, and set out enough plates and cutlery for the planned snack service so the catering point does not block entrances.

Frequently asked questions

What safety equipment do I need for a fireworks show?
At minimum, plan fire extinguishers, buckets of water, sandbags, first aid kits, safety vests, safety glasses, work gloves, warning signs, barriers, barrier tape and flashlights. Put this equipment in position before the fireworks arrive and check access at least once during the site inspection.
How many reusable cups and glasses do I need for a fireworks event?
Allow at least 2 drinking vessels per guest if you can wash or collect them during the event; allow 3 if there is no collection point. Add plates and cutlery for every planned snack serving, plus a small reserve for breakage or extra guests.
When should I order professional fireworks and the ignition system?
Reserve professional fireworks and the ignition system as soon as the date, location and permit process are clear. Aim for several weeks before the show, because delivery, safe receipt and storage arrangements must be confirmed before the event.
How much lighting do I need for a fireworks show?
Light every entrance, exit, catering point, toilet route and work area, rather than relying on the fireworks for visibility. Check the complete route after dark and secure extension cords and cable reels before guests enter the site.

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