What to buy and where to buy them….

Suppliers that sell fireworks all year round must be licensed (see external link).  Sale without a licence is permitted at the following times only:

• November 5 (3 weeks before and 5 days after)
• New Year's Eve (December 26 to 1 January)
• Chinese New Year (4 days before, including the day of Chinese New Year)
• Diwali (4 days before, including Diwali)

Fireworks from unlicensed sources could be dangerous imports. They could cause injuries even if used safely.

• Only buy fireworks in full packs – do not buy loose fireworks or packs that have had fireworks taken out of them.
• Only buy fireworks that comply with British Standard 7114:1988 or its European equivalent. Instructions should be in English.
•  The legal age for buying fireworks in England is 18.
• When you are buying fireworks, look at the wrappings for damage.
• If they are damaged in anyway, do not take them.
• When you get home, read the instructions carefully and store them safely away from naked flames and water.
• That way you can be sure they will be in perfect condition on the night.

How to use some fireworks:

Catherine Wheels

1. Catherine Wheels should be nailed securely to timber uprights about 1.5-2 metres off the ground.
2. Tape the fuse to the timber upright so it can’t be blown about by the wind.
3. Read the instructions carefully for those designed not to spin as they have to be nailed to timber differently.

Roman Candles

1. These need to be pushed into the ground for firing or tied to an upright stake and angled away from the audience. If tied to a stake then attach  in at least 2 places.
2. The fuse is divided into 2 pieces. Make sure that the very end of the delay is lit – this gives about a 5 – 8 seconds until the firework goes off. Do not remove the fuse cover until you need to.

Rockets

1. Rockets should be loaded into a firing frame or launching tube.
2. Angle the rocket away from the spectators. Make allowance for the direction and strength of the wind. Rockets fly into the wind and it depends on the strength and direction as to where it lands.
3. Practice, before the spectators arrive- at least once, to make sure that sticks will land in the fallout area rather than on spectators.

The Fireworks Safety Code

• Don’t drink alcohol if  you are setting off fireworks.
• Keep fireworks in a closed tin or box.
• Follow the instructions on each firework.
• Light them at arm’s length, using a taper. 
• Stand well back.
• Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
• Always supervise children around fireworks.
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
• Never give sparklers to a child under five.
• Keep pets indoors.

When Choosing a Site for a Display make sure…

• That the site is big enough, you will need lots of space.
• Soft ground is best.
• A wide viewing area is best.
• You will need a safety area between the firing area and spectators of at least 25 metres.
• You will need a fallout area of at least 50 metres.
• There must be no overhead obstructions, like trees and overhead cables, near the firing area.
• The wind should be blowing from behind the spectators’ area.
• Check buildings and fire hazards are far enough away.
• Always have a separate emergency access route and make sure it cannot become blocked.
• Fence off the display area with fire resistant tape / barriers.
• If you are having a bonfire, make sure it is away from your display area and before you light it, check for hedgehogs, etc.
• Douse with water afterwards.