Bonfire Night

Remember remember the fifth of November for the right reasons. Having your own fireworks party with family and friends can be great fun. But by far the safest way is to celebrate is to attend a professionally organised event.

Firework displays

If you’re planning on holding your own fireworks party with family and friends follow the advice below as well as following the local and national COVID-19 guidance.

Pets can get very frightened on Bonfire Night as they hate loud bangs and flashes. Keep pets indoors and close curtains to help make it less frightening for your pet. If you’re holding a fireworks party don’t forget to let your neighbours know so they can make sure their pets are indoors as well. Remember it's not just your own fireworks that cause distress, so you may need to have your pets indoors on several nights when other displays are taking place.

Protect your pet when fireworks are around by following the RSPCA's animal-friendly firework code.

Getting ready for your display

• Only buy fireworks that have the CE mark - this means they are safe and conform to European safety standards. 
• Check the fireworks you buy are suitable for the size of garden.
• Only buy fireworks from a legitimate retailer.
• Read the instructions in daylight.
• Only one person should be responsible for letting off the fireworks
• Store fireworks in a closed metal box.
• You will need suitable supports for Catherine Wheels and proper launchers for rockets.

On the night

• Follow the instructions on each firework.
• Use a torch to read the instructions. Never a naked flame.
• Light fireworks at arm’s length, using the taper provided.
• Store fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time.
• Make sure everyone stands well back.
• Don’t throw fireworks or put them in your pocket.
• Never go back to a lit firework. Even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode.
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks. Nominate a responsible person who’s not drinking to take charge of the firework display.
• Supervise children around fireworks.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby.

Sparklers

• Never give sparklers to a child under 5.
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
• Put used sparklers hot end down into a bucket of sand or water.

Bonfires

Bonfire Night parties wouldn’t be the same without a bonfire.

• Make one person responsible for the bonfire. Only allow that person and designated helpers into the bonfire area.
• Keep your bonfire is at least 18 metres (60ft) away from houses, trees, hedges, fences or sheds.
• Only burn clean dry timber.
• Before lighting the fire check:
  • Its construction carefully to make sure that it is stable.
  • For animals, especially hedgehogs.
• Use domestic firelighters to light your bonfire. Petrol, paraffin, diesel or other flammable liquids should not be used to light your bonfire.
• Keep some buckets of water nearby.
• Never burn aerosols, batteries, bottles, foam-filled furniture, tins of paint or tyres.

Have a safe and fun Bonfire Night.