Fireworks are great fun when they are bought, stored and used safely. This guide covers the essentials — please read it before your display, and always follow the instructions printed on each firework.
18+ only. Fireworks must not be sold to anyone under 18, and it is illegal for anyone under 18 to have fireworks in a public place.
Read the label
Check the category and spectator distance on every firework before you buy and before you light.
Arm’s length
Light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper, then stand well back.
Never go back
Never return to a firework once it has been lit — even if it has not gone off.
Water ready
Keep a bucket of water nearby before you start.
Pets indoors
Keep pets indoors while fireworks are being set off.
Under-5s
Never give sparklers to a child under 5.
On this page
- Buying fireworks responsibly
- Age restrictions
- Safe storage and handling
- Following the instructions
- Lighting and spectator distances
- Children and sparklers
- Fireworks and pets
- When you can set off fireworks
- Disposing of used fireworks
- Be prepared for accidents
Buying fireworks responsibly
- Buy from a reputable retailer.
- Only buy fireworks that carry a UKCA or CE mark.
- Check the firework category (F1, F2 or F3) and the spectator distance on the label, and make sure your space is big enough.
- If you are unsure what suits your garden, ask us before you buy.
Age restrictions
- Fireworks are only sold to adults aged 18 and over.
- Anyone under 18 must not have fireworks in a public place.
- Lighting fireworks is a job for responsible adults only.
- Children should always be supervised around fireworks.
Safe storage and handling
- Keep fireworks in a closed metal box until you use them.
- Never put fireworks in your pocket.
- Never throw fireworks.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
Following the instructions
- Read the instructions on every firework in advance, in daylight.
- Have a torch ready so you can check instructions in the dark.
- Use suitable supports and launchers for Catherine wheels and rockets.
Lighting and spectator distances
- Light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper, then stand well back.
- Keep spectators behind the minimum distance printed on the label. As a guide, many garden (F2) fireworks need 8 metres and display (F3) fireworks need 25 metres.
- Never go back to a lit firework.
The safety distance on the product label always takes priority.
Children and sparklers
- Never give sparklers to a child under 5.
- Wear gloves when holding sparklers.
- Light sparklers one at a time.
- Put used sparklers into a bucket of water.
Fireworks and pets
Keep pets indoors while fireworks are being set off.
When you can set off fireworks
It is illegal to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except:
- Bonfire Night — until midnight
- New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year — until 1am
Disposing of used fireworks
- Have a bucket of water ready before you start.
- Soak used fireworks for at least 15 minutes — overnight if possible.
- Wrap soaked fireworks in a plastic bag and put them in your general waste bin, or take them to your local recycling centre.
- In Greater Manchester, unwanted fireworks can be collected safely through the fireworks amnesty: call 0800 555 815.
Be prepared for accidents
- Before you start, have a torch, a bucket of water, eye protection, gloves and a bucket of soft earth to hand.
- Consider going to an organised display instead of holding your own.
- If someone is hurt or a fire starts, call 999.
Sources
Safety advice from Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service. Always follow the instructions on each product.