A major highlight of Skandia Cowes Week is its dazzling Friday night fireworks display, the second largest display in the UK and just pipped to the number one spot by Edinburgh’s 7 Hills Hogmanay display. However, this year, Skandia Cowes Week could topple Edinburgh from its number one position as it has just been announced that an even greater display is being held in Cowes on Friday 5 August in celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. What promises to be a truly stunning event is being designed and staged by the world renowned fireworks producer, Major Sir Michael Parker CBE. The spectacular Trafalgar 200 fireworks extravaganza and son et lumière will be the latest project to be organised by this premier events wizard along with Pyrovision, whose credits include HM the Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebration fireworks at Buckingham Palace.

“An anonymous donor has generously provided £30,000 to enhance the traditional fireworks extravaganza, thus doubling the usual display budget,” comments Stuart Quarrie, Director of Cowes Combined Clubs, the regatta organisers. He continues: “Along with dramatic pyrotechnic effects, the Battle of Trafalgar display and son et lumière will use choreographed light, colour and sound to provide a spectacular climax for visitors to Skandia Cowes Week as history is played out in the waters off Cowes.” Two barges and several smaller vessels will represent the British and French fleets at Trafalgar as a full battle scene commences. Cowes Radio, (celebrating its 20th anniversary at the regatta), will broadcast the music and commentary live on 106.2FM.

This annual fireworks spectacular is watched by tens of thousands of people along the shoreline and from hundreds of boats off Cowes Parade and sea front. It is an unmissable highlight of the Week.

Kimbolton Fireworks, who were appointed three years ago to design, choreograph and fire the stunning and entertaining 25-minute display for Skandia Cowes Week, have kindly agreed to stand aside this year for these Battle of Trafalgar celebrations, but will be back in 2006 with another of their impressive creations.