Matthew will be supervising fireworks for the 2015 series of the Battle Proms open air concerts.

Bristol-based Skyburst, The Firework Company has commissioned Matthew to manage the rigs at four out of the five concerts which take place across the country during July and August.

Favoured for his musical show experience and safety awareness, coupled with his methodical approach and attention to detail on firework displays, Matthew will oversee the on-site operations for the displays which are fired to live orchestra.

“These shows cannot be fully computer operated as they are being choreographed to live music. Each performance will be slightly different, due to changes of tempo by the conductor and orchestra.” said Matthew.

When asked how fireworks are timed to live music, Matthew added: “We split the show into programmed segments. We follow the orchestral score and fire the relevant segment when that bit comes up in the music.”

“Some of the crew (including me!) need to be able to read music so that we can fire in time with the orchestra, but we still need to anticipate some of the shots to get the timing spot on. It does take skill and practice.”

Matthew will be managing the fireworks at Burghley House, Hatfield House, Highclere Castle and Ragley Hall.

And for those asking (yes, we know several of you like to know!), he will be pressing the fire buttons at Burghley House, Highclere Castle and Ragley Hall.

For tickets and concert information, visit www.battleproms.com.