Cakes & Barrages

Looking for powerful single-ignition fireworks that deliver a full show from one fuse? Our cakes and barrages range from compact garden pieces to dramatic displays, ideal for Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve, Diwali and parties all year round.

Each cake links multiple tubes to fire a pre-set sequence of effects — glittering willows, strobes, comets, crackle and colour — with minimal setup. Explore customer favourites and fresh arrivals, from punchy 16–25 shot barrages to spectacular 50–100 shot cakes. Many listings include video previews so you can see the effects before you buy.

Shop Cakes by Budget

We've organised our firework cakes into three price ranges to help you find the perfect match for your celebration:

• Cakes £0-£30 — Compact garden fireworks ideal for smaller displays and family celebrations. Excellent value without compromising on effects.
• Cakes £30-£60 — Mid-range barrages offering longer duration and more impressive effects. Perfect for neighbourhood displays and parties.
• Cakes £60+ — Premium barrages with spectacular sequences. Browse this range for show-stopping finale options.

Looking for multi-piece compound displays? View our dedicated compound fireworks collection For extended performances from connected barrages.

Complete Display Packs

Not sure which cakes to combine? Our complete display packs include carefully selected barrages that work together perfectly:

• Short Duration Displays (5-10 minutes) — Quick, impressive shows for smaller gardens
• Medium Duration Displays (10-15 minutes) — Balanced performances for family celebrations
• Long Duration Displays (15-20 minutes) — Extended shows for larger events and public displays

How to Build a Balanced Display

We hand-pick every cake for performance, reliability and value, making it simple to build a balanced show. Pair a brisk opener with a mid-show crowd-pleaser, then finish with a high-impact finale cake for height, pace and colour.

Pro tip: Mix noise levels to suit your audience. Browse our quiet fireworks for considerate displays or explore loud fireworks for maximum impact. Check individual product classifications for safety distance requirements.

What to Expect from a Firework Cake

Most firework cakes last around 20-40 seconds. Duration depends on the powder weight and how the manufacturer has designed the firework — not the shot count. A 100-shot cake can fire everything in 30 seconds for maximum wow factor, or a 25-shot cake can be designed to last just as long with slower, more spaced-out effects.

The trade-off is always between duration and intensity. More powder weight means a bigger firework overall, but how that powder is used — fast and furious or slow and steady — is down to the design.

Top Brands for Cakes & Barrages

We stock firework cakes from the UK's leading manufacturers, each bringing their own expertise:

• Brothers Pyrotechnics — Powerful barrages with reliable fusing and impressive effects
• Primed Pyrotechnics — Exceptional value across all shot counts
• Bright Star — Vibrant colours and creative effect combinations
• Galactic Fireworks — Our exclusive range combining 30 years expertise with competitive pricing

Browse all manufacturers on our fireworks brands page.

Bulk Buy Options

Planning a large display or regular events? Our cake cases offer significant savings when buying in quantity. Trade accounts receive wholesale pricing — apply here for access to professional pricing across our entire range.

Safety & Classification

All our firework cakes are sold under the Explosives Regulations 2014 with proper licensing. Most barrages are classified as 1.4G (consumer fireworks) or 1.3G (louder, more powerful), with safety distances clearly marked on each product. We recommend reading our safety guide before your display.

Delivery Information

Firework cakes are available for UK delivery with tracked shipping. Orders over £300 qualify for free delivery. We use specialist carriers experienced in handling pyrotechnics safely. Check our delivery page for full details and timing information.

Cakes & Barrages — FAQs

What's the difference between a cake and a barrage?
The terms are used interchangeably. Both refer to multi-shot fireworks that fire from multiple tubes in sequence.

How long do firework cakes last?
Most firework cakes last around 30-40 seconds. Duration doesn't directly correlate with shot count — a 100-shot cake can fire everything in 30 seconds or spread effects over 90+ seconds. It's a trade-off: higher duration means less wow-factor for the same powder weight, and vice versa.

Can I use cakes in my garden?
Many cakes are suitable for gardens with appropriate space. Check the safety distance on each product — typically 8-25 metres depending on size. Our garden fireworks filter shows suitable options.

Do I need a licence to buy firework cakes?
No licence required for either 1.4G or 1.3G consumer fireworks. Both are available to the public. Anyone aged 18+ can purchase.

When can I buy and use firework cakes?
Available year-round for purchase. Usage is permitted during traditional dates (Bonfire Night, New Year, Diwali, Chinese New Year) and with local authority permission for private events.

What's the best cake for a finale?
Look for high-shot-count barrages (50-100 shots) with fan-shaped firing patterns from our premium cakes section. For extended finales, explore our compound fireworks range.