Firework Safety : Celebrate Safely!
Autumn and winter bring with them a season of dazzling firework displays, with celebrations like Guy Fawkes Night, Diwali, New Year's Eve, and Chinese/Lunar New Year lighting up the skies. While fireworks can be captivating, it's crucial to prioritise safety.听
On this page you'll find some key safety advice to ensure everyone enjoys the festivities without incident. And, at the bottom of the page, you'll find our fireworks safety posters (produced in English and 6 other languages), which are free for you to download and use.
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The 1-2-3 of Fireworks Safety
1.听 Choose Your Fireworks Carefully
- Look for the CE Mark: This indicates the fireworks meet essential safety requirements - and have been approved for sale.
- Buy from Reputable Retailers: Please avoid buying fireworks from unlicensed sources, like market stalls or car boot sales. Stick to established shops or licensed online retailers only.听
- Check that the Instructions are in English: Ensure the fireworks come with clear instructions, written in English.听
2.听 Always Handle Fireworks with Care
- Store Fireworks Safely: Keep them in their original packaging, in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
- Read the Instructions Carefully: Always follow the instructions provided with the fireworks.
- Keep a Safe Distance: Light fireworks at arm's length - and stand well back!
- Never Return to a Lit Firework: If a firework fails to go off, NEVER attempt to relight it.
3.听 Be听Considerate of Others
- Respect the Curfew: Be aware of the restrictions on when you can set off fireworks (generally, between 11pm and 7am). Remember the curfew extends to midnight on Fireworks Night and 1am for Diwali, New Year's Eve, and Chinese New Year.
- Inform your Neighbours: Let your neighbours know if you plan to have a firework display, especially if they have young children or pets.
Remember, Remember . . .
Fireworks can be dangerous if not handled responsibly. By following the simple precautions above, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
For a visual guide to firework safety, check out this helpful video :
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Fun Facts and Fire Safety Tips
Apart from birthdays, music festivals and events or other personal or public celebrations, there are many cultural festivals throughout the year when people love nothing more than to look up to the skies and experience the thrill of a fireworks display.
Below, we've listed some of the most important occasions in the calendar, each with their own traditions - and challenges too.
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Guy Fawkes' Night
While the origins of bonfires are debated, historians note that large fires were sometimes used for signalling in ancient Britain. For example, in 60 AD, Queen Boudica ordered the burning of Londinium (London) as a signal of defiance against the Romans.
In the 16th century, Guy Fawkes' Night commemorates the foiled Gunpowder Plot of 1605, an attempt to assassinate King James I of England (and VI of Scotland). Guy Fawkes, one of a number of conspirators, was caught in the act of setting fire to barrels of gunpowder beneath the Houses of Parliament. The plot failed, neither the King nor the Government fell - and Fawkes was sentenced to death.
Over time, the event evolved into a celebration of the foiled assassination attempt and a general celebration of Protestantism and the monarchy. Bonfires were lit to symbolise the gunpowder plotters, and effigies of Fawkes were often burned alongside them.
Guy Fawkes' Night is celebrated on November 5th in the United Kingdom and some other countries with close ties to the UK. It's a time for bonfires, fireworks, and traditional festivities, often including the burning of Guy Fawkes effigies - or effigies of contemporary 'villains', including fictional characters and unpopular politicians! Today, in our modern, multi-faith society, the political history of Guy Fawkes/Bonfire Night is mostly long-forgotten - and now it is enjoyed by everyone, as a secular festival and simply as a fun time of the year!
Safety Tip: Ensure your bonfire is built well away from structures, trees, and other flammable materials. Have water or sand readily available to extinguish the fire if needed.听
Diwali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It is celebrated in autumn (northern hemisphere) or spring (southern hemisphere) and lasts for five days.
The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali is associated with a number of different stories and legends, depending on the region and religion. One of the most popular stories is the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
During Diwali, people decorate their homes with diyas, candles, and colourful lights. They also wear new clothes, exchange gifts, and enjoy feasts with family and friends. Fireworks are often a major part of the celebrations.
The use of diyas (oil lamps) during Diwali is steeped in symbolism, representing the victory of light over darkness. Traditionally, these small lamps were often made of clay, a material that is naturally resistant to catching fire.
Safety Tip: Never leave 'diyas' unattended and place them on a heat-resistant surface away from flammable decorations.
New Year's Eve
Fireworks displays on New Year's Eve are believed to have originated in Europe, where they were used to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year. The tradition quickly spread to other parts of the world and is now a common sight in many countries on New Year's Eve. Today, New Year's Eve fireworks displays can often be quite grand and elaborate, with wonderful colours and intricate patterns lighting up the cold night sky.
Safety Tip: When using sparklers, always supervise children. Remind them to hold sparklers away from their bodies and avoid flammable clothing.
Chinese/Lunar New Year
The invention of firecrackers in China added a vibrant element to Lunar New Year festivities. According to one legend, the loud noise was believed to scare away a mythical beast called Nian.
Lunar New Year听- also known as Chinese New Year听- is the most important festival in China and many other East and Southeast Asian countries. It is celebrated at the turn of the lunisolar Chinese calendar, which means the date changes each year but typically falls between January 21st and February 20th.
The festival is a time for family reunions, feasting, and celebration. It is also a time to honour ancestors and deities. Many traditions are associated with Lunar New Year, including lion and dragon dances, giving red envelopes (containing money) to children, normally by married elders, and decorating homes with red lanterns and paper cuttings.
Safety Tip: Always supervise children when they are playing with fireworks.
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