Sonic Fireworks 30th Anniversary
Sonic Fireworks will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025. Although there have been many ups and downs along the way, the Glover family has always been at its heart.
It all started with Dad, Mel Glover. He oversaw the local scout group’s bonfire night fireworks display in the early nineties. Rob and Mike, who were scouts at the time, used to help out, and thus, their interest in fireworks was born.
Soon, Mike and Rob were setting the fireworks to music with a mix tape of movie soundtracks (yep, we are that old) and getting rave reviews from the crowds that came to watch.
Mike then started working part-time for a national fireworks company, learning the trade, and we began doing fireworks displays at local pubs. When the local council approached us to put on a fireworks display for the 50th anniversary of VE Day in 1995, we decided we ought to call ourselves something. Sonic Fireworks was born.
Neither Mike nor Rob can remember why we called ourselves Sonic Fireworks. Still, soon, we were firing displays all over Devon and looking to expand the business for the upcoming Millennium Eve.
However, in 1998, a fireworks factory in Devon exploded. Although unrelated to us, fireworks storage became a hot issue in Devon, and our expansion plans were severely disrupted.
Luckily, we found support from The Prince’s Youth Business Trust (now the King’s Trust), which gave us a low-interest loan that allowed us to make plans for the future.
Talking about making plans for the future, Mike had been dating Michelle for a few years, and they decided to get married in 2000. It was a lovely day with indoor fireworks on the cake and a massive fireworks display outside in the evening.
Michelle joined the business, and Rob ran the marketing part-time while pursuing other business activities. We expanded into selling fireworks to the public.
The financial crash of 2008 proved extremely difficult to survive and set the business back to its foundations. Still, we slowly rebuilt the company, firing over 200 displays across the South West a year, even for celebrities like Noel Edmonds and Ben Shepard.
Then the pandemic hit, and we just survived 2020 because we had built up our fireworks shop and had loyal customers who came out and spent money between lockdowns.
Having built a business and gained 25 years of experience, Mike wanted to start competing in fireworks competitions and get more involved in the UK fireworks industry. Between 2021 and 2023, we competed in three major UK competitions, coming second in two and winning one to become British Fireworks Champions in 2022. Talk about hitting the ground running!
In 2025, Mike is working hard on the executive management committee of the British Pyrotechnics Association (BPA), and we are back in Plymouth to compete in the Champion of Champions British Fireworks Competition this summer.
We have a few things planned to celebrate our 30th anniversary. This summer, at the British Fireworks Championships in Plymouth, we are hosting a special event at The Corinthian on both nights.
The Corinthian Night offers the best views of the British Firework Championships in Plymouth, positioned directly across the water from the firing site on Mount Batten Breakwater. Guests will watch the sky ignite with dazzling displays from a prime waterfront location, all while enjoying first-class hospitality at this exclusive event.
Our pro display team will compete on the first night and then join the party at The Corinthian on the second night to celebrate our 30th anniversary in style.
We are excited to share the love by giving away two professionally fired fireworks displays for private events, such as weddings in 2025 and 2026. Anyone who enquires about a display will automatically be entered into our free giveaway draw.
This year also marks the start of a new venture for us: Sonic Nights, the evening event specialists. We are branching out beyond fireworks to run evening and nighttime events. The first event is the British Fireworks: The Exclusive Corinthian Night this summer, followed by more events to be announced soon.
Many people have helped us over the years, while some have been a downright pain! Running a small business is challenging, especially with seasonal income in the explosives industry.
There have been many laughs and many tears. Still, throughout it all, there has been our family and the tireless support of Dad, Mel Glover, who is now in his eighties but still is our rock. Mike and Michelle celebrate 25 years of marriage this year, too. No mean feat when you’re also in business together. And Rob, who is often in the background but is dedicated to making our company the best it can be, is relentless.
Who knows what the future holds? There hasn’t been a year without concerns about dramatic legislation threatening the fireworks industry. Rising costs continue to make all small businesses anxious. However, it has been an incredible journey so far, and as our tagline says, we’ve been Havin’ A Blast!!
