Remember, remember, the 5th of NovemberThe Gunpowder Treason and plot;I see of no reason why Gunpowder TreasonShould ever be forgot. 

How many of us remember that poem and immediately think of fireworks?Whilst in the past fireworks have been seen mainly on or around November 5th now they seem to be used all year round.

The sound of your guests making those ‘ooh and ahh’ sounds when a firework explodes or sends cascades of bright sparks everywhere means that your event is going well and people are enjoying themselves.

Current UK Legislation states: -You can’t buy ‘adult’ fireworks if you’re under 18, and it’s against the law for anyone to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on certain occasions.Adult fireworks are category 2 and 3 fireworks - they don’t include things like party poppers.

Category 4 fireworks can only be used by professionals.

The law says you must not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places.

You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for:•Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight

•New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am

Check with your supplier to find out about any local rules for setting off fireworks that may affect your event. 

Your supplier should also be able to advise you on how your budget may best be served taking into consideration your venue, your audience and of course your personal preferences.

Always consider the safety of your guests and those around you.

The following is advice from The Chief Fire Officers Association.

•Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114 

•Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks 

•Keep fireworks in a closed 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 

•Don’t let off fireworks after 11pm