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Fireworks & The Law

Please adhere to the law and the firework safety code when setting up and firing your own displays:

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  • Only adults over the age of 18 can purchase fireworks.

  • The general public may purchase Category One, Two and Three fireworks - Cat.1 are indoor fireworks, Cat.2 are suitable for smaller gardens with a minimum safety distance of 8-15 meters, and Cat.3 are suitable for larger gardens/displays and have a minimum safety distance of 25 metres.

  • Category 4 fireworks are not available for public use, only professional display companies may use these.

  • It is illegal to set off fireworks between the hours of 11pm - 7am, except for on Bonfire Night (where the cut off is midnight), and New Years Eve, Diwali & Chinese New Year (where the cut off is 1am).

  • The law says you are not permitted to throw fireworks in streets or other public places (including sparklers).

  • You can buy fireworks from licensed shops all year round, or registered sellers on these dates: 15th October - 10th November, 26th - 31st December or 3 days before Diwali/Chinese New Year.

  • Please see the GOV website for official legislation.

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The Fireworks Code

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Only adults should deal with setting up firework displays, the lighting of fireworks and the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used (and remember, alcohol and fireworks don't mix!). Children and young people should be supervised, and watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance. Follow these top 10 tips for a safer fireworks party:

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  • Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and ensure it finishes before 11pm

  • Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time

  • Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary

  • Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back

  • Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks

  • Never return to a firework once it has been lit

  • Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them

  • Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators

  • Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire

  • Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.

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Firework Safety

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We hope it's obvious that only adults should be setting up and firing firework displays, and only adults should be dealing with the disposal of fireworks once they have been used as well. Children and young people should be supervised at all times and kept at a safe distance from the display. Here's a few extra safety tips:

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  • Only buy Fireworks with the CE approved mark

  • Keep all fireworks in a closed box until ready to be used

  • Always read the instructions on each firework

  • Wear eye protection and gloves

  • Light each firework one at a time, from arms length with a taper

  • Once the firework is lit, stand well back

  • Keep some buckets of water handy just in case

  • Keep all naked flames away from fireworks (remember - this includes cigarettes!)

  • Rocket fireworks must be directed well away from where your spectators will stand

  • Once a firework has been lit, do not return to it

  • Do not use paraffin or petrol on your bonfire

  • Do not drink alcohol when setting up and firing fireworks

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Sparkler Safety

Although sparklers are generally viewed as being safe and harmless, they do burn very hot and should still be respected! Here's a few tips to keep you safe when using sparklers:

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  • Wear gloves when handling sparklers

  • Light sparklers one at a time and hold at arms length

  • Do not give sparklers to children under 5 years old

  • Do not wave sparklers near other people

  • Never hold a baby while handling sparklers

  • Put the sparkler in a bucket of cold water or sand when you've finished with it

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Bonfire Safety

  • Place your bonfire site away from wooden items, including sheds and fences, and also well away from where any children​ will be playing

  • Never use petrol, paraffin or meths on a fire, these can be extremely unpredictable and it is much safer to use fire lighters to prevent any flare-ups

  • Keep water or fire extinguishers handy incase anything goes awry

  • Tie back any long hair, and do not wear loose fitting clothes when setting up and lighting a bonfire

  • It is best to pour water on the fire at the end of your event, rather than letting it burn out unattended


 

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