Bonfire Night and Fireworks

Remember, remember…. Our top tips to help you enjoy bonfires and fireworks safely.

Firework displays attract lots of people so follow our top tips to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time:

• At larger events there will be road closures and diversions. Check this interactive Roadworks map to view current and upcoming road closures and diversions
• Plan your journey and where you are going to park. Always park legally and if possible, in well-lit places
• Agree a plan with your children so they know what to do if you get separated. It may sound silly, but a top tip is to make sure they know your name as there will be lots of “Mummies” and “Daddies”, so it helps us narrow it down!

Bonfires

If you’re planning on having a bonfire, ensure you make it as safe as possible for you and your family by following this advice:

• Build your bonfire away of buildings, garden sheds, fences, trees and hedges. Make sure you have a garden hose or bucket of water nearby just in case.
• Only burn dry materials and never use flammable liquids or accelerants
• Never leave the bonfire unattended
• Keep your loved ones well away from the bonfire
• Make sure that the materials used for bonfires are the right types of waste, as under the current environmental legislation. Waste must be kept securely before it is burnt to ensure it contains suitable materials.
• Disposal of illegal waste like old furniture, mattresses or household rubbish can result in fines for those that do this of up to £50,000.

Fireworks

If you are purchasing your own fireworks this year, make sure you make your own fireworks display as safe as possible:

• Always buy from a legitimate retailer and ensure they are marked with the UKCA or CE safety marks. A reputable retailer will sell fireworks that comply with this standard.
• Keep your fireworks in a closed box or tin and out of reach of children. Remember you need to be over 18 to possess or buy fireworks.
• Please be mindful of your neighbours and let them know if you’re planning to set-off fireworks. Check out our ‘be a good neighbour’ page for more advice.  
• Legally you must not set off fireworks after midnight on Bonfire Night, and between 11pm - 7am all other times, except for New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am.
• Light fireworks at arm’s length and make sure everyone stands well back.
• Never return to a lit firework: if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode!
• The law says you must not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places (Explosives Act 1875)