Fireworks show shopping list

A fireworks show needs more than fireworks. This shopping list covers the equipment and supplies for the display, a controlled launch area, safe spectator zones, lighting and a simple catering point. Plan safety equipment before ordering decorations or refreshments: fire extinguishers, first aid kits, barriers and protective gear are easy to overlook and harder to source at the last minute. Check quantities against your audience size, site layout and the instructions from your fireworks supplier.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
High tablesqty 6
Foldable tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 30
Waste binsqty 8

Lighting

LED lampsqty 10
String lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 6

Equipment

Fireworks packages
Firework batteriesqty 24
Firework fountainsqty 12
Launch tubesqty 8
Ignition system
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Safety

Fire extinguishersqty 6
Fire blanketsqty 3
First aid kitsqty 2
Safety helmetsqty 4
Safety gogglesqty 6
Work glovesqty 8
Hearing protectionqty 6
Reflective vestsqty 8
Crowd control barriersqty 30
Warning signsqty 12
Traffic conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 6
Flashlightsqty 6

Catering

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 24 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 15 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Snack nuts - 6 bags
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Mini cheese cubes - 4 packs
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Mandarins - 40 pieces
- Mini rolls - 120 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfecting gel - 4 bottles

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 250
Reusable coffee cupsqty 100
Reusable platesqty 150
Reusable cutleryqty 150

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving utensilsqty 12
Ice packsqty 20

Cleaning

Dustpansqty 3
Broomsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 3
Bucketsqty 4

Tips

Allow at least one clearly marked spectator route and keep emergency exits unobstructed. Buy enough barriers, warning signs, cones and barrier tape to close off the full launch area rather than just the firing point.
Prepare one complete safety set for the firing crew: safety helmets, safety glasses, work gloves, hearing protection and high-visibility vests. Keep spare gloves and glasses available in case equipment is lost or damaged.
Test the ignition system, extension cords and power strips before the event, then pack torches for the final setup and cleanup. Battery lanterns and LED lights provide useful backup if mains power is unavailable.
For an outdoor audience, plan tables, chairs and tents around the viewing area instead of near the launch zone. Add waste bins at entrances, the catering point and the main exit so cleanup does not depend on one central bin.
Keep coolers and thermos flasks ready for catering, but store fireworks separately in a secure, dry place. Collect dietary requirements before ordering food so the catering quantity and options are known in advance.

Frequently asked questions

What safety equipment do I need for a fireworks show?: Plan for fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits, safety helmets, safety glasses, work gloves, hearing protection and high-visibility vests. Add barriers, warning signs, cones and barrier tape to separate the launch area from spectators.
How many fire extinguishers should I buy for a fireworks display?: Use the number required by your local rules, risk assessment and fireworks supplier rather than relying on a generic ratio. Have the extinguishers positioned before setup begins, with access kept clear throughout the show.
How early should I buy fireworks and safety equipment?: Order fireworks and specialist ignition equipment as soon as the supplier and event date are confirmed. Buy barriers, protective equipment and lighting early enough to replace missing or damaged items before the setup day.
What do I need for lighting at an outdoor fireworks show?: Use LED lamps, string lights or battery lanterns for paths, tables and the catering point, and keep torches available for staff. Test all lighting before guests arrive and ensure cables do not cross walkways without protection.

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