Fire your imagination...

The skies above Blackpool will be lit up once again as teams of top fireworks experts from Ireland, China and France represent their homelands by staging stunning pyrotechnical displays above North Promenade on September 6, 13, 20 and 27.

Thousands of spectators are expected to travel to the resort to enjoy the spectacle.

Last year’s event was won by the Canadian team with its James Bond-themed display.

Natalie Wyatt, managing director of Marketing Blackpool, said: “The International Firework Championships is an amazing event enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people each year.

“We are really looking forward to witnessing some spectacular displays and welcoming people to the resort.”

The opening event is on Friday, September 6, with further free displays throughout the month. Build-up starts from 7.30pm and the displays will begin at 8.30pm.

The fireworks will be launched from North Pier with viewing between the Tower Festival Headland and North Promenade.

The teams from Ireland, China and France will compete over the first three Fridays of September with the winner announced on Friday, September 27 when pyrotechnical experts Titanium bring the event to a spectacular close.

Readers who know their Catherine wheels from their rockets can apply to join the judging panel by visiting www.visitblackpool.com/fireworks and answering the question ‘Which country won the 2012 World Fireworks Championships?’

The closing date is noon on Tuesday, September 3.