Bonfire Night is a tradition that has been celebrated for centuries and every year the sky is lit up with dazzling colours and mesmerising patterns. But there are a few laws you should be aware of
Bonfire Night, a tradition that has been celebrated for many years, annually lights up the sky with vibrant colours and captivating patterns every 5th of November. On this date, bonfires and fireworks are ignited across the country in commemoration of Guy Fawkes Night.
This centuries-old tradition dates back over 400 years to the night of 5th November 1605 when 36 barrels of gunpowder were found concealed behind a stack of firewood in a storeroom beneath the Palace of Westminster. Alongside the explosives, guards discovered a man who identified himself as John Johnson.
In reality, his name was Guy Fawkes and he, along with his co-conspirators, planned to instigate a Catholic uprising by blowing up parliament and everyone within it – including King James I and many of his leading nobles.
As Bonfire Night approaches, there are a few laws you should be aware of if you’re planning on setting off your own fireworks. These laws exist to protect people from harm and to prevent distress and disruption, reports the Liverpool Echo. On Bonfire Night, you can legally set off fireworks from 7am until midnight
The law stipulates that you must not set off or throw fireworks between the hours of 11pm and 7am, including sparklers. The only exceptions to this rule are Bonfire Night, when the cut-off is midnight, and other major occasions such as New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut-off is 1am.
Strict regulations also govern fireworks purchases
According to the government website, you may only purchase fireworks from registered sellers for private use during these specific periods: October 15 until November 10, December 26 until December 31 and three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year.
Illegal selling or use of fireworks can result in an unlimited fine and up to six months’ imprisonment.
Alternatively, you could face an on-the-spot penalty of £90.
Those under 18 are prohibited from purchasing “adult” fireworks, which encompass category 2 and 3 fireworks – excluding items such as party poppers.
Fireworks for private use can only be purchased from registered seasonal sellers during the dates below, unless buying from a specially licensed retailer who may sell fireworks throughout the year:
- October 15 to November 10
- December 26 to 31
- Three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year
It’s advisable to consult your local council regarding any local regulations for setting off fireworks.
Local authorities have the power to restrict fireworks on public land, though private use on your own property remains lawful under national legislation.
Injury statistics back up the advice that the safest place to enjoy fireworks is at a large public event – far fewer individuals are injured here than at smaller family or private gatherings.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents advises that only adults should handle the setup of firework displays, the lighting of fireworks and the safe disposal of fireworks once they have finished. Children and young people should be supervised and observe and enjoy fireworks from a safe distance.
