A journey through the history and science of fireworks, from the earliest experiments conducted by Chinese peasants and Italian alchemists, right up to the enthusiasts and pyrotechnicians involved in creating modern spectacles.

The roots of the modern firework display are found in the Elizabethan era, where European rulers competed to hire top pyrotechnicians and put on the most spectacular shows. Nowadays American family the Zambellis claim to stage the most ambitious displays, and their ‘firework recipes’ are a closely-guarded secret.
Finally we meet ‘Pyroboy’, a web designer from Seattle, who delights audiences by strapping fireworks to his body and setting himself alight.