MORE than 1800kg of fireworks will erupt in an array of dazzling colour as the skies light up on Monday to ring in 2013. 

Xplosive Art pyrotechnician Mike Newman said the company would blast back on to the fireworks scene after missing last year's show due to prior commitments.

"We didn't do it last year, we've done it for many years in a row, but last year we were committed to another job," Mr Newman said.

"We are planning a really big show this year ... It's a labour of love to make this happen.

"It's not me, it's the whole team of guys who put it together. It's what we love doing."

Containers of fireworks and equipment landed in Cairns from China in August, and Mr Newman said there would be some new effects sure to wow the crowd during the extravaganza.

"It's a lot bigger than last year. We've been overseas to the International Symposium on Fireworks and we have lots of new ideas and products."

Taking three months of preparation and a team of almost 20, the Cairns displays will last for about 10 minutes each at 9pm and midnight.

"It will be high-impact and high-quality. There will be about 10,000 effects," Mr Newman said.

Teams of four will set off the dramatic displays in Cairns, Palm Cove, Port Douglas and, for the first time, Kuranda.

"The Palm Cove show is good for people who don't want to deal with getting in and out of the city.

"One day we are aiming to fully sync (the displays)."

This weekend, Mr Newman and his team will start assembling the explosives on three barges which will be positioned on Trinity Bay.

"This would have to be one of the most difficult jobs logistically, with the tropical rain and tides and mudflats," he said.

"The best vantage point is the lagoon and in that region, and you don't have to get a front seat  it's in the sky, so even watching it in the street or the Esplanade will be good."

This year's fireworks shows are supported by Rattle N' Hum, GBR Helicopters, Ports North and Cairns Regional Council.

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