Fireworks offer great entertainment, a spectacular display of sparkling shapes and colours and are used to celebrate numerous festivities throughout the year. There are many legal restrictions and safety guidelines surrounding firework use. They can only be sold by registered retailers, they cannot be bought or carried by anyone under 18, sparklers should not be given to children under the age of five years and older children should always be supervised when using sparklers.

It is illegal to ignite fireworks between 11pm and 7am except on:

• November 5 (Bonfire night) – until midnight


• New Year’s Eve – 1am on the following day


• Chinese New Year – 1am on the following day


• Diwali – 1am on the following day

When using fireworks there is an increased risk of injury if people ignore simple safety guidelines. Residents are therefore encouraged to attend properly supervised, organised events.

Remember, remember… Stay safe and please:
Do not throw fireworks in a public place
Do not carry fireworks if you are under 18
Do not let fireworks off after midnight

The police can stop and search for fireworks in any public place. Offences are punishable by £80 fixed penalty notice.

Download fireworks safety poster