Standard Fireworks History & Heritage
Standard Fireworks has a proud history stretching back to 1891. James Greenhalgh founded the company in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. Today, Standard Fireworks remains the UK’s most loved family fireworks brand. Furthermore, our story spans over 130 years of innovation, craftsmanship, and British pyrotechnic heritage. You can shop our full range online or visit us at our factory shop in Huddersfield.
The Origin of the Firework
The history of firecrackers runs deep in Chinese culture. In ancient China, people burned pieces of bamboo to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The bamboo cracked and burst with a loud pop as it caught fire. People believed the noise drove away evil spirits. Therefore, they considered the firing of bamboos the best way to bring health, peace, and prosperity in the New Year.
In time, the Chinese discovered that carbon, potassium nitrate, and sulphur produced a spectacular explosive effect. They used this mixture in warfare – hurling missiles and arrows at enemies. However, when peace came, the same mixture transformed celebrations forever. The firecracker still carries its ancient name of “burst bamboo” – or pao chuk – to this day.
19th Century – The Birth of Standard Fireworks
James Greenhalgh founded Standard Fireworks in 1891. He started as a Yorkshire wholesale draper. As an entrepreneur, he spotted the opportunity to sell fireworks through his drapery business in the weeks before Bonfire Night on November 5th.
Local coal miners made the early fireworks. They supplemented their income by working as outworkers for the business. In addition, James brought supplies from China by sea, which then arrived in Huddersfield by barge. From these humble beginnings, Standard Fireworks grew steadily alongside James’s drapery business.
20th Century – Growth and War
Continued success led to a move to Crosland Hill, Huddersfield in 1910. The new site covered over 100 acres. It occupied an old stone quarry, which gave the company plenty of space for firework production. Furthermore, the site included purpose-built gunpowder stores from the quarrying days.
During both World Wars, Standard Fireworks switched production to munitions. As a result, the company played an essential role in the war effort. After the wars, the business returned to fireworks and continued to grow. By the 1980s and 1990s, Standard Fireworks employed over 500 people across manufacturing and office roles — making it one of Yorkshire’s largest employers.
In 1987, Standard Fireworks bought the well-established Scottish company Brocks Fireworks Ltd. This move transferred all fireworks production to Yorkshire.
Standard & Black Cat – 21st Century
Black Cat Fireworks first appeared in the USA during the 1940s, introduced by Li & Fung. In China, black cats symbolise luck and good fortune. Today, Black Cat is the oldest and most recognised fireworks brand in the American market.
In 1998, Black Cat Fireworks purchased Standard Fireworks. As a result, all firework manufacturing moved to China, where pyrotechnic expertise spans over 1,400 years. However, the heart of the business remained in Huddersfield.
After leaving the Crosland Hill site in 2023, our office team moved to new premises in Huddersfield. Our technical, warehousing, and logistics team operates from our distribution site in York. Therefore, Standard Fireworks continues to serve the UK from its Yorkshire heartland – just as it has done since 1891.