Jamie, 12, plans old school’s firework display – on computer

AN EXPLOSIVE firework display at La Houguette School has been designed by a former pupil, 12-year-old Jamie Atkins.

Carl Armitage, from Standard Fireworks, admits to being old-fashioned and using matches to set off firework displays, but these days they are designed using a computer program which has allowed Jamie Atkins, 12, to plan the one for his old primary school, La Houguette. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 28868764)

Digital technology is used to sequence displays co-ordinated by Standard Fireworks, the island’s only firework company.

Owner Carl Armitage works with Jamie’s dad, Simon, who introduced Jamie to firework display design.

‘My dad did fireworks and then I ended up doing them,’ Jamie said.

‘It’s my first show but I can’t remember starting. One of my old school friends is going on Friday.’

Getting used to new software was a challenge, and led the initial draft design to be deleted.

12-year-old Jamie Atkins has been designing explosive firework displays which will light up the skies this week. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 28868762)

‘You download music to go with the fireworks, and work out the timings. Over a couple of weeks I’ve spent quite a few hours on it.’

Jamie’s favourite part is finally seeing the fireworks.

Mr Atkins said they’ll also be ‘blowing up a topical surprise effigy on the night’.

All the fireworks are imported, some spanning 30cm.

Mr Armitage has been involved since 1991, doing all the big events such as Liberation Day.

Carl Armitage from Standard Fireworks with his young helper, Jamie Atkins, 12. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 28868760)

‘It’s changed a lot since then. You used to go up and light a match, now it’s all on computer. Over the years things have evolved, so now Jamie’s had the chance to go ahead and do his own thing.’

Software depicts what is seen on the night, offering a ‘visual point in time’.

‘This software isn’t available to many companies. You design the show on the computer which is translated to a script that sends signals back and forth to the firing stations. It’s very rare you get any failures.’

But lighting matches is still preferred by Mr Armitage: ‘I’m still old fashioned.’

Jamie Atkins has inherited his love of fireworks from his dad, Simon. (28868752)

Track length is another change.

‘For big displays you need music to work with. These days it’s hard to find a song that lasts six minutes. In that time we fire in the region of 2,000 to 3,000 shots.’

Covid-19 has hit public displays.

‘We’re in a very lucky situation. I’ve been told there are no public displays in Jersey.’

Usually between 900 and 1,000 visitors attend La Houguette’s display.

Jamie Atkins, 12, (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 28868758)

PTA secretary Rachel Mason said: ‘It’s the main show in the west, we’ve got it down to a fine art now. This year we’re raising funds for our trim trail.’

‘Mrs Judd, the head teacher, said Jamie’s always been creative and it’s brilliant to have an ex-pupil organise it. Carl always runs a fantastic display and it’s pristine afterwards.’

All firework cartridges are now cardboard and biodegradable for any flyaways.

The bonfire party at La Houguette School is between 5 and 7pm on Friday. There will be limited parking, so attendees are asked to park at L’Eree and walk up or catch the bus.