Fireworks – Useful Information
We want everyone to be responsible when setting off fireworks so that we can all enjoy fireworks for years to come. Did you know there are rules on when/where you can set fireworks off?
When can I set fireworks off?
Throughout the year you can’t set fireworks off between 11pm and 7am, although there are a few exceptions:
- Bonfire Night – when the cut off is midnight
- New Year’s Eve – when the cut off is 1am
- Diwali – when the cut off is 1am
- Chinese New Year – when the cut off is 1am
Where can I set fireworks off
- It is an offence to let fireworks off in a public place. A public place is anywhere other than your land and includes streets, parks and playgrounds – in fact any place members of the public have access to at the time, whether or not an admission fee is payable.
- Always remember to read the instructions on the fireworks to make sure you set the fireworks off far enough away from the crowd.
What age do you have to be to buy/use fireworks?
It is illegal to sell fireworks, including sparklers, to anyone who is under 18.
It is also an offence (also punishable by fine) for anyone under the age of 18 to be in possession of a firework (other than a sparkler) in a public place. If you are under 18, you can be fined up to £5,000 for letting a firework off in a public place.
It is also against the law to sell caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, snakes or throw-downs to anyone who is under 16.
What do the different categories of fireworks mean?
Category 1 – Indoor fireworks CE marked, safety advise and category 1 stated on packaging.
Category 2 – Garden fireworks CE marked, safety advise and category 2 stated on packaging. Category 2 fireworks have a 8 metre safety distance.
Category 3 – Display fireworks CE marked, safety advise and category 3 stated on packaging. Category 3 fireworks have a 15 metre firing distance but a 25 metre spectator safety distance.
Category 4 – British Standard as being not suitable for sale to the general public. Category 4 fireworks are for professional use only and can not be sold to the general Public.
At UK Fireworks we would always suggest where possible exceed the minimum required safety distance. If you have a larger area we recommend utilising it. Safety is always paramount and we want to ensure your display is enjoyed safely. Remember to always follow the firework code
We only sell retail fireworks (category 2 & 3). We DO NOT sell any professional fireworks (category 4 ) to members of the public
Looking after your pets
Pets get very frightened on fireworks night, so keep all your pets indoors and close all the curtains to make things calmer. Remember it’s not just your own fireworks that cause distress, so you may have to have your pets indoors on several nights when other displays are taking place.
RSPCA have created a great video containing some top tips for keeping animals safe.
See our range of Fireworks here. Spend over £150 and we will deliver to you for free* or collection may be possible from our regional offices in Leicestershire and Cambridgeshire.
*We offer FREE delivery on all orders over £150 in our local area all year round. Our local area is a 30 mile radius of postal codes starting with PE7 and LE16. If you are eligible for free delivery it will automatically be allocated in your cart.