THE idea behind one of the county’s best fireworks displays started in the quieter surroundings of a newsagents.

Father and son Bob and Nigel Claydon ran a family newsagents in Colchester more than 60 years ago.

The store had been selling fireworks for about 40 years before the Claydons came up with the idea to start a separate business, Dynamic Fireworks, in 1994.

Today, the second and third generations of the family work hard to carry on the legacy at Dynamic Fireworks, creating colourful displays to wow huge audiences.

And, as the countdown to November 5 starts, the family works 12-hour days, seven days a week to perfect their professional displays.

They are best known for creating the Castle Park display in Colchester on behalf of organisers King Coel’s Kittens.

The spectacular display lasts for 20 minutes but takes days to organise and requires about eight people to set it up on the day.

Nigel’s daughter Denise said there is never a quiet day in the office.

“Our professional displays are fired all year round celebrating weddings, Diwali, New Year and many corporate events,” she said, “although November for traditional Guy Fawkes celebrations remains the busiest time of year with more than 70 displays in a week.

“The display at Castle Park is designed and fired by Dynamic Fireworks and many other displays will be designed, set up and fired by the team.

“We have more than 50 trained operators all around the county and further afield for schools, parish councils, corporate and sports groups.”

This year’s displays have taken months to plan as each display is bespoke.

The director and display managers use their vast knowledge of firework effects and sequences, combined with state-of-the-art computer simulation software for split second timing to design each display.

Denise added: “It will then take the team on the day many hours to set up the complexity of sequences, before each display is fired using the latest electronic firing systems.

“We develop, source and import fireworks directly and over a number of years have built up excellent relationships with firework manufacturers in China.

“From family selections for gardens through to large single fuse barrages for the pyro enthusiast, the range and specialist knowledge mean customers keep coming back year on year.”

Things have certainly moved on in the fireworks world over the past 25 years which the company has witnessed first hand.

This time five years ago the family would not have considered trading abroad.

Quieter and more environmentally friendly fireworks are also becoming more popular as is an expanding market through internet sales.

Being open all-year-round is a challenge, but it means customers are able to cater for every type of family celebration from a gender reveal to religious and cultural festivals.

Director Nigel Claydon said the 25th anniversary of the company will go out with a bang.

He said: “We are proud Dynamic Fireworks is one of the UK’s largest integrated firework companies, engaged in every aspect of the firework and pyrotechnic industry.

“Being a family business, everyone involved is a firework enthusiast and we take pride in striving to provide the best possible products combined with personal service whilst ensuring that the highest safety standards are maintained.”

Take a look at www.dynamicfireworks.co.uk.