Catherine Wheels
(7 products)
£799RRP £1299 Save 38%
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Catherine Wheels — Classic Spinning Fireworks
The Catherine wheel is one of the most iconic fireworks around — a spinning disc of fire that whirls on a nail or post, throwing out sparks, crackles, and colour in a hypnotic spiral. They are a Bonfire Night tradition and a favourite with families who enjoy the close-up spectacle of a spinning firework.
Our range runs from the Golden Wheel and Tri Colour Wheels at £7.99 up to the 4 Point Silver Wheel from Celtic Fireworks at £39.99. In between, the Galaxy Spray Wheel and Siberian Swirl from Bright Star offer coloured effects and longer burn times, while Super Spin from Brothers Pyrotechnics and Inner Spin from Gemstone add variety in size and effect.
Catherine wheels need a secure mounting point — hammer a nail into a wooden post or fence post and hang the wheel from it. Make sure the nail allows the wheel to spin freely without wobbling. Most of our wheels are F2-rated (8-metre safety distance) so they work well in gardens. Keep spectators at a safe distance and clear the area around the post of any loose material.
Wheels pair well with fountains and sparklers for a varied ground-level display. For aerial effects, add rockets or cakes. Orders over £300 qualify for free delivery.
Can you still buy Catherine wheels?
Yes. Catherine wheels are still widely available as consumer fireworks in the UK. They remain one of the most popular traditional firework types, particularly around Bonfire Night. We stock a range of sizes and effect types.
How do you set up a Catherine wheel?
Hammer a nail into a sturdy wooden post or fence post at around head height. Hang the Catherine wheel from the nail through the centre hole, making sure it can spin freely. Light the fuse and step back to the safety distance printed on the label.
Are Catherine wheels safe for gardens?
Most Catherine wheels are F2-rated with an 8-metre safety distance, making them suitable for average-sized gardens. Ensure the mounting post is secure and there is nothing flammable within a few metres of the wheel. Check the label on each product for the exact safety distance.
How long do Catherine wheels last?
Most Catherine wheels burn for between 30 seconds and 2 minutes depending on the size. Smaller wheels tend to run 30 to 45 seconds, while larger multi-effect wheels can spin for over a minute with colour changes throughout.
Why are they called Catherine wheels?
Catherine wheels are named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who was sentenced to death on a breaking wheel in the 4th century. The spinning firework resembles the wheel associated with her story. The name has been used for spinning fireworks in Britain for several centuries.
Do Catherine wheels come with free delivery?
Orders over £300 qualify for free delivery to mainland UK. Smaller orders carry a flat delivery charge. Check our delivery page for full details.
When were Catherine wheels banned?
Catherine wheels have not been banned. This is a common misconception, likely confused with other firework types that have faced restrictions over the years. Catherine wheels remain fully legal consumer fireworks in the UK. Most are classified as F2 (garden fireworks) and some larger versions as F3 or F4. You can buy and use Catherine wheels year-round, though general firework use outside of permitted dates (Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year) may require adherence to local noise regulations.
How does a Catherine wheel firework work?
A Catherine wheel consists of a tube of pyrotechnic composition wound into a spiral around a central disc. The disc has a hole in the centre so it can hang freely on a nail or pin. When the fuse is lit, the pyrotechnic composition inside the tube ignites and hot gases are forced out of small openings along the tube. These jets of gas and sparks act like tiny rocket motors, pushing against the air and causing the disc to spin. As the flame travels along the spiral tube, different sections can contain different chemical compositions — this is what creates colour changes, crackle effects, and varying spark patterns during the burn.
What size Catherine wheel is best for gardens?
For most gardens, an F2-rated Catherine wheel with an 8-metre safety distance is the best choice. Our smaller wheels like the Golden Wheel, Tri Colour Wheels, and Super Spin all fall into this category and work well in average-sized gardens. If you have a larger garden (20+ metres), the Siberian Swirl or Inner Spin offer a bigger, more impressive display. Always check the safety distance on the product label and make sure you have enough room from the mounting post to where spectators will stand. The mounting post should be sturdy and away from fences, sheds, and overhanging trees.
