Catherine Wheel Fireworks - Classic Spinning Displays

Catherine Wheels are traditional British fireworks that spin rapidly when lit, creating circular patterns of coloured sparks, crackling, and glitter. Named after St Catherine of Alexandria (martyred on a wheel), these classic fireworks have been a staple of Bonfire Night celebrations for generations.

Catherine Wheels are attached to fences, posts, or wooden boards using a nail through the centre, then lit to spin and create mesmerising circular displays. Perfect for family back garden parties and small Bonfire Night celebrations.

Why Choose Catherine Wheels?

• Traditional British firework - Classic Bonfire Night favourite
• Mesmerising spinning effects - Circular patterns of colour and sparks
• Budget-friendly - Excellent value for adding variety to displays
• Easy to set up - Simply nail to a fence or post and light
• Various sizes & effects - Small to large wheels with different colours and effects
• Great for children to watch - Captivating spinning action at safe viewing distance

How Catherine Wheels Work

Catherine Wheels are circular fireworks with a central hole for mounting. Once secured to a vertical surface and lit, the pyrotechnic composition burns and creates thrust that spins the wheel rapidly (similar to a Catherine wheel pinwheel toy, but with fireworks!).

As the wheel spins, it produces:

• Coloured sparks - Red, green, gold, silver spirals
• Crackling effects - Popping, crackling sounds as it spins
• Glitter trails - Shimmering glitter creating circular patterns
• Multi-stage effects - Some wheels change colour or effect mid-spin

Catherine Wheel Sizes

Catherine Wheels come in various sizes, typically measured by diameter - from small 10cm wheels up to large 30cm+ wheels.

Larger wheels = better effects: Bigger Catherine Wheels deliver more impressive visual effects, brighter colours, and higher quality displays. However, duration varies - a large wheel might burn for 30 seconds with spectacular high-impact effects, or 2+ minutes with gentler sustained spinning. Always check the product details for specific burn times.

Smaller wheels: Budget-friendly options still delivering traditional Catherine Wheel effects, perfect for building sequences or when you want multiple wheels in your display.

How to Set Up Catherine Wheels Safely

Before the display:

1. Choose your mounting surface - Wooden fence, post, shed wall, or purpose-made board. Must be secure and stable.
2. Use a proper nail - Large nail with a wide, flat head (not a screw - the wheel needs to spin freely).
3. Angle the nail upwards slightly - This is critical: hammer the nail in at a slight upward angle (not horizontal). This makes the wheel lean slightly forward, preventing it from sliding back and getting stuck against the fence or post.
4. Hammer nail loosely - Drive the nail most of the way in, leaving about 1cm gap between the head and the surface.
5. Hang the Catherine Wheel - Slide the wheel onto the nail through its centre hole. It should spin freely without wobbling or touching the mounting surface.
6. Test spin - Give it a gentle spin by hand to ensure it rotates smoothly and doesn't slide back towards the fence.
7. Check clearance - Ensure 8-metre (F2) or 25-metre (F3) clearance as marked on the firework.

During the display:

1. Light at arm's length - Use a portfire or safety lighter, never a match.
2. Retreat immediately - Once lit, move back to the safe distance straight away.
3. Never return - If a Catherine Wheel doesn't spin or stops mid-display, wait 20 minutes before approaching.

⚠️ Important: Catherine Wheels occasionally fail to spin due to damp conditions or manufacturing defects. This is why clearance distance is critical - even stationary wheels can emit sparks and effects.

Common Catherine Wheel Problems & Solutions

Problem: Wheel won't spin

• Nail too tight: The wheel needs to spin freely - loosen the nail slightly (leave 1cm gap)
• Wheel touching surface: Ensure there's a small gap between wheel and mounting surface
• Damp conditions: Keep Catherine Wheels dry before use - moisture can affect spinning

Problem: Wheel spins slowly or stops

• Weight distribution: Some wheels are heavier - this is normal, they may spin slower
• Friction: Ensure the nail head is smooth and the wheel spins freely before lighting

Building Displays with Catherine Wheels

Catherine Wheels work brilliantly in family garden displays:

• Opening sequences - Start with Catherine Wheels to build traditional atmosphere
• Between larger fireworks - Use Catherine Wheels to fill gaps while setting up cakes or rockets
• Multiple wheels - Mount several Catherine Wheels at different heights for impressive simultaneous spinning
• Budget-friendly variety - Catherine Wheels offer excellent value for adding traditional effects to back garden displays
• Traditional Bonfire Night feel - Essential for classic family Guy Fawkes celebrations
• Children love them - The spinning action is captivating for younger audiences

Catherine Wheels for Bonfire Night

Catherine Wheels are synonymous with Bonfire Night and traditional family firework parties. They're brilliant for:

• Creating a traditional Guy Fawkes atmosphere in back gardens
• Family Bonfire Night celebrations
• Adding variety between rockets and cakes in garden displays
• Entertaining children with mesmerising spinning effects
• Budget-friendly family celebrations

Pair Catherine Wheels with sparklers, fountains, and selection boxes for a complete traditional family Bonfire Night experience.

Safety Distances & Classification

Catherine Wheels are typically classified as Category F2 (garden fireworks) with an 8-metre minimum safety distance. Some larger Catherine Wheels may be classified as F3 (display fireworks) requiring 25-metre clearance.

Always check the label on each Catherine Wheel for its exact classification and safety distance.

Age requirement: You must be 18 or over to purchase Catherine Wheels in the UK.

Storage & Handling

Catherine Wheels should be stored:

• In a cool, dry place away from moisture
• In original packaging until use
• Away from heat sources and direct sunlight
• Out of reach of children

Important: Damp Catherine Wheels may not spin properly. If storing outdoors (in a shed), ensure they're kept completely dry. Bring them indoors a few hours before your display if they've been stored in cold/damp conditions.

Great Value for Money

Catherine Wheels are among the most budget-friendly fireworks available, making them perfect for:

• Building bigger family displays without spending a fortune
• Adding traditional variety to back garden parties
• Family-friendly Bonfire Night celebrations
• Introducing children to fireworks in a controlled, predictable way
• Traditional home firework displays

What to Expect

Noise level: Catherine Wheels are generally low to medium noise - they crackle and fizz rather than bang. Perfect for displays where you want visual effects without startling pets or neighbours.

Visual appeal: Mesmerising circular patterns of coloured sparks, glitter, and crackling effects. Some wheels change colour mid-spin for added variety.

Duration: Most Catherine Wheels spin for 30-90 seconds depending on size. Larger wheels generally last longer.

Top Tips for Catherine Wheels

• Angle the nail upwards - This prevents the wheel sliding back against the fence/post and getting stuck (critical tip!)
• Set up all Catherine Wheels before your display starts - it's awkward to nail them up in the dark
• Test each wheel spins freely before lighting
• Have multiple wheels ready at different heights for impressive multi-wheel displays
• Keep them dry - moisture is the enemy of good spinning
• Use proper firework nails with wide, flat heads
• Mount on stable surfaces - wobbly fences won't work well
• Consider mounting on a purpose-made wooden board if you don't have suitable fencing

Delivery & Availability

We deliver Catherine Wheels across the UK using our own specialist ADR-trained drivers. Orders over £300 qualify for free delivery. Catherine Wheels are available year-round with our biggest selection arriving from September for Bonfire Night season.

Browse our Catherine Wheel range above. Need help choosing or advice on setting them up? Call us on 01709 769184 or email help@galacticfireworks.co.uk - we're always happy to help!