The Ultimate Guide to Firework Barrages and Cakes in the UK
Barrages and cakes are the backbone of any fireworks display. They’re the multi-shot pieces that fill the sky with colour, noise, and rhythm. But with hundreds of options on the market, how do you choose the right ones for your display?
This guide covers everything you need to know about barrages and cakes in the UK – what they are, how they differ, what to look for, and how to build a display around them.
What is a barrage / cake?
A cake (also called a barrage or multi-shot cake) is a single box containing multiple tubes fused together in sequence. You light one fuse, and the cake fires multiple shots in a pre-programmed sequence – often with varying effects, heights, and timings.
They’re the workhorse of modern fireworks displays because:
- One fuse = multiple shots (50–300+)
- Pre-programmed effects – no need to light individual tubes
- Consistent timing – the fuse burns at a controlled rate
- Variety of effects in one box
Barrage vs Cake: Is there a difference?
In the UK, the terms are used interchangeably. “Cake” refers to the box shape; “barrage” refers to the rapid-fire effect. Some retailers use “barrage” for faster-firing cakes and “cake” for slower ones, but there’s no official distinction.
Types of cakes / barrages
Straight-firing cakes
All tubes fire vertically. Best for tight spaces where you can’t angle tubes.
Fanned / Z-firing cakes
Tubes fire at alternating angles (left-right-left). Creates a wide spread across the sky. Needs more lateral clearance.
Compound cakes
Multiple cakes fused together internally. One fuse fires 2–4 cakes in sequence. 200–600+ shots. See compound cakes.
Single-ignition barrages
Large, single cakes with 100–300+ shots. Often used as finale pieces. See single-ignition barrages.
Key specs to check
| Spec | What it means |
|---|---|
| Shot count | Total number of tubes/shots (50–300+) |
| Duration | How long it fires (20s–3+ mins) |
| Tube size | Bore diameter (20mm, 25mm, 30mm). Larger = bigger breaks. |
| Firing pattern | Straight, fanned, Z, W, V, etc. |
| Effects | Peony, willow, brocade, strobe, crackle, palm, etc. |
| Noise level | 1 (quiet) to 5 (very loud) |
| Safety distance | Minimum spectator distance (m) |
Choosing by display size
Small garden (8–10m)
- 50–100 shot cakes, 20–25mm tubes
- Straight-firing preferred
- Duration 30–60s per cake
Medium garden (15–25m)
- 100–200 shot cakes, 25–30mm tubes
- Fanned cakes OK with clearance
- Consider one compound cake
Large field (25m+)
- 200–300+ shot cakes, 30mm tubes
- Compound cakes (2–4 cakes fused)
- Fanned/Z-firing for wide spread
Effect types to know
- Peony – Round burst, no tail
- Willow – Long trailing gold/silver tails
- Brocade – Gold glittering crown
- Strobe – Flashing white/gold
- Crackle – Loud crackling stars
- Palm – Long gold fingers hanging
- Crossette – Stars that split into four
Mixing effects in a display
Don’t fire the same effect twice in a row. Alternate:
- Peony / Brocade (round, solid)
- Willow / Palm (hanging, graceful)
- Strobe / Crackle (flash, noise)
- Palm / Crossette (hanging, splitting)
This keeps the sky visually interesting.
Where to buy
Big Shotter Fireworks stocks 150+ barrages and cakes. Browse barrages & cakes, compound cakes, and single-ignition barrages. Every product has a video. Free UK delivery over £290, click & collect from Bradford, year-round.
