This autumn, Battersea Park’s renowned fireworks display has extended beyond the night sky and into local schools with an exciting series of educational workshops. The “Real STEM or Just Bangs?” tour, presented by Matthew Tosh of Titanium Fireworks and organised by Enable in collaboration with Wandsworth Council, delivered a thrilling blend of science, technology, and pyrotechnic artistry to school children in years 3 – 6 across the borough.
Matthew, who has gained recognition as a leading pyrotechnician through his 20-year career in the UK fireworks industry, took students behind the scenes of the famous Battersea display, revealing how STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) forms the backbone of every professional firework show. Well-known for his spectacular demonstrations, he combined showmanship with a firm commitment to safety – a core principle of his work. He entertained and educated children from St. Mary’s RC Primary School, Sacred Heart RC Primary School, and St. George’s CoE Primary School with fascinating hands-on experiences, demonstrating how chemistry, engineering, and physics are crucial in creating the colourful and perfectly timed explosions that light up the night sky.
“Our children had such an amazing time with Matthew this morning. He was wonderful and was really good at explaining the science behind what he does and was very inspiring too – I am sure that lots of little people went home tonight saying that they wanted to be a pyrotechnic engineer when they grow up.” Year 3 Class Teacher, Sacred Heart RC Primary School.
Safety was paramount throughout, with Matthew using highly directional effects and purpose-built fire-retardant firing frames to protect floors and materials.
By the end of the performance, the highly entertained local children had not only gained a deeper understanding of the science behind fireworks, but were also introduced to potential career paths in STEM industries. Matthew’s expertise ensured that audiences left with an appreciation of how professionals blend science, art, and technology to craft spectacular shows.
Through their event-related education outreach work, Wandsworth Council and Enable are committed to connecting classroom learning with real world applications, sparking interest in the creative and scientific processes behind creative events.
Visit us in Battersea Park on Saturday 2 November and Sunday 3 November for the biggest and brightest fireworks display in South London. Saturday promises an energetic show, while Sunday offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with kid-friendly fun, fairground rides, and tasty treats.
Our youngest fans won’t want to miss Octonauts: To Your Stations! This interactive experience encourages audience participation, transporting you into the Octo Station and a world of ocean exploration. Character appearances will take place at intervals throughout the evening, each lasting approximately 15 minutes, ahead of our fireworks display. Expect stories, singalongs and more! Half-price tickets are available as part of Wandsworth’s Access for All scheme. Residents eligible for the scheme include individuals who are entitled to a range of benefits, care-experienced individuals, asylum seekers and refugees.
