Organising non-professional fireworks displays
Guidance for community groups and event organisers on running safe and considerate fireworks displays.
Planning a fireworks display
Make it a celebration that respects your community and protects the environment. This guide helps organisers create events that dazzle responsibly.
Local authorities, schools, and community groups often hold firework displays. These events may be free to attend or support local charities. Some wedding and other venues permit fireworks displays within their property.
Organised displays typically offer impressive fireworks and rely upon professionals, or volunteers, to set off the fireworks as the public watch.
Things to consider
There are various things to consider as you plan your fireworks event, covering fireworks safety, the gathering of crowds and the impact on the local community. Careful planning on all these elements is essential to having a successful event.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has produced comprehensive guidance you should follow to help you plan and run a safe and successful fireworks display.
Read guidance on organising firework displays – HSE website
When deciding on the type of fireworks display, there are a number of things you must consider.
Location of event
- Have your display on private land, where you have permission of the landowner.
- Remember to check in daylight for overhead power lines and other obstructions.
- Using or firing fireworks in a public place, street or thoroughfare is not permitted under the Explosives Act 1875. The Highways Act 1980 also prohibits discharging fireworks within 50 feet of a highway. Using fireworks in these places can lead to a substantial fine.
- All fireworks have minimum safety distances which can be found on the label. This is the distance between the fireworks and the spectators watching. This means the explosive impact of your fireworks display must be suitable for the size of your venue.
- You must also consider the space for your audience to avoid overcrowding, and the space behind the fireworks (a fallout zone) for the debris to fall, away from spectators. Once you have determined the space you have, choose the fireworks to suit.
Time of event
- Regardless of what kind of fireworks display you are running, the laws around the times you can hold your display apply.
- The use of fireworks is only allowed between 7am and 11pm, except on Bonfire Night when the cut off is midnight, and on Diwali, New Year and Chinese New Year, where the cut off is 1am.
- These time restrictions apply to all Category F2, F3, and F4 fireworks.
Understanding the different types of fireworks
There are different types of fireworks suitable for different sized venues, and some are only available for professional displays. The table below shows the firework types in the UK. You can find the firework type printed on the fireworks label and packaging. Speak to your fireworks retailer if you are unsure.
Table 1: types of fireworks
| Fireworks type | Who can use them | Where they can be used |
|---|---|---|
| F1 (excluding Christmas crackers) | Adults and individuals aged 16 and over | Suitable for use inside domestic buildings (products in this category include party poppers and sparklers); should not cause injury to people standing 1m or more away. |
| F2 | Adults only | Suitable for outdoor use in relatively confined areas such as gardens. These fireworks should not cause injury to people standing 5m or more away. |
| F3 | Adults only | Suitable for use in large open spaces, such in the grounds of a community or sports club. Should not cause injury to people standing 25m or more away. |
| F4 | Licensed professionals only | Large public displays, such as those organised by local authorities. Trained and licensed professionals assess the location and plan the display to meet safety requirements. |
Volunteers running fireworks events may only use Category F2 and F3 fireworks. Category F4 fireworks can only be bought and operated by professional firework licensed operators.
Managing explosive materials
Fireworks are explosives and they pose serious risks. To minimise these risks, you should always:
- Follow the safety instructions on the packaging.
- Only buy fireworks from reputable retailers. They will also be able to provide guidance and advice on storing and setting off your fireworks.
Failure to transport and store fireworks safely can result in significant injury to individuals and damage to property. Fireworks may ignite or explode when exposed to ignition sources such as heat and flame. Damaged fireworks that are leaking composition can be more prone to initiation by static electricity. When storing fireworks they should be kept:
- Away from incompatible materials such as flammable liquids or strong cleaning products containing acids and alkalis.
- In a dry place because moisture and water damage can cause fireworks to function incorrectly.
Organisers of fireworks displays should consider whether to use professionals to manage hazards and ignition risks.
There are further storage, protective equipment, detonation and communication practices that need to be considered when setting up your own display. Please consult the HSE guidance to find out more.
Read guidance on organising firework displays – HSE website
Impacts on people and the surrounding area
Consider the community
Not everyone enjoys fireworks; they can be distressing for veterans, neurodiverse individuals, children, and those working unsocial hours. While the audience for a display may enjoy the view, those in the local area who can only hear the noise may find this irritating or alarming. Before organising a fireworks display, consider the potential effects on the local community and what you can do ahead of the display to allow people to prepare.
With advance notice of a display and careful consideration of an appropriate venue, you can reduce the impact on the community.
- Spread the word: Informing residents in advance of a planned event allows them to take measures to minimise any negative effects where possible. Notify your community in advance through social media, leaflets, or your website.
- Make community friendly choices: Opt for low-noise fireworks where possible. Venues hosting events with fireworks should consider limiting display days and durations of displays (e.g. 5 minutes) to minimise disruption.
- Think about animal impacts: Firework noise can be distressing to animals by causing startle responses or changes in behaviour. Assess whether the selected location is near farms, stables, zoos, or wildlife areas. It is advisable to avoid locations close to such areas or consider using lower-noise fireworks.
Plan for the weather
Ask yourself: What is the direction of the prevailing wind, what would happen if it changed? Sparks from fireworks can easily ignite wildfires, especially when launched near dry fields or grassy areas. Fireworks produce intense heat and glowing embers that can travel considerable distances through the air. If these sparks land on parched vegetation—such as dry grass, crops, or brush—they can quickly ignite and spread flames across the landscape.
- Avoid open fields: Fireworks should never be used near open fields or during droughts, as the risk of wildfire becomes dangerously high.
- Consider wind direction: Set up fireworks so the wind blows away from people, buildings and vegetation—not toward them.
- Leave enough space: Maintain as much space, in all directions, as you can between fireworks and any flammable material, structures, or spectators. In windy conditions, increase this buffer significantly.
Risk assessment and planning
Contact your local council to see whether you need a permit to run your event. They will be able to advice on the actions you need to take.
- Consult with the police and fire brigade authorities at least seven days before the event.
- You will need qualified first aiders on site. Enlist the support of St John Ambulance. Let them know how many people you expect to attend – they will provide the required number of first aiders.
- You are required to have one steward for every 250 spectators.
- You will need to complete a risk assessment. The can-do guide for volunteering has advice on how to do this and other useful tips for holding events.
Read a ‘can do’ guide on organising a voluntary event.
Fire safety risk assessment
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) is applicable to venues hosting weddings and other celebrations. This legislation necessitates the implementation of additional fire safety measures due to the presence of fireworks and other potential hazards. Appropriate precautions and risk mitigations should be incorporated into event planning. The Home Office has produced guidance on conducting fire safety risk assessments.
Read guidance on fire safety risk assessment for open-air events and venues.
Aviation safety
Fireworks and laser shows can distract or endanger aircraft. The Civil Aviation Authority strongly recommends that you contact it if you are planning a show near an airfield or where aircraft regularly fly, and offers associated guidance.
Office for Product Safety and Standards
Contact us if you have any enquiries about this publication including requests for alternative formats at: OPSS.enquiries@businessandtrade.gov.uk.
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