Scientist aims to rock to UK fireworks record » Communities » 24dash.com

A world record bid to launch more than 55,000 rockets at the same time is the star attraction of the UK Fireworks Championships, which blast off tonight.

Plymouth University Professor Roy Lowry will bid to beat the current nine-year-old world record of 39,210 rockets on the second night of the spectacular.

It is expected that around 100,000 people will watch the two-night event - during which around ten tonnes of explosives will light up the sky over Plymouth Sound.

Plymouth's own Rocket Man is confident of breaking the Guinness World Record for the most rockets ever launched simultaneously.

He will use 15 specially constructed frames laced with pyrotechnic fuse which will be ignited electrically.

Ahead of his record bid he said: "Every day scientists do exciting things that no-one has ever done before.

"This is a chance to create a public event which demonstrates the fun and excitement of science and I hope to see lots of people turn up to support us on the night."

The rockets will be counted both before and after ignition to allow for those that fail to ignite. The current record was set by Terry McDonald in Jersey, the Channel Islands, at the Battle of Flowers Moonlight Parade in 1997.

The attempt was to launch 40,000 rockets but 790 failed to ignite.

"Simultaneously" has been deemed to mean within a five-second period starting from the first rocket to take off.

Target Travel will be running regular buses and coaches from all three park and ride sites ithe George Junction, Milehouse and Coypool ion both nights from 7pm.

Councillor Peter Smith, Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities and Tourism, said: "We are delighted that Target Travel have offered to run park and ride services for this year's Fireworks Championships. Thousands of spectators are expected to head up to the Hoe over the two days and this will be a great value, no-hassle way of getting to the event and enjoying a fantastic evening out."

Plymouth's city centre car parks will be open, but with tens of thousands of people expected to attend the event, they are likely to be very busy.

The Western Approach car park will be open until midnight, as will the Barbican car park behind the National Marine Aquarium. The lockgate will also be open until midnight.

Mount Batten car park will be closed on the second night for health and safety reasons.

Madeira Road and Hoe Road will be closed on both days between 2pm and 11pm.