The Big Bang Cannon was invented around 1907 by a physics professor seeking to create a safer alternative to fireworks, and productized a few years after that. It makes a ferocious bang and visually impressive fire may shoot out the barrel, but has a low overall energy, making it a good deal safer than gunpowder based fireworks. It is also nearly proof against barrel overpressure, due to the nature of the reaction.

A youtube demonstration. (Volume warning! RIP headphone users)

Here is one in the flesh,