It’s nearly November 5th 2018, which can only mean one thing … Bonfire Night! Want to see fireworks this weekend? We’ve listed a few local firework displays below! But if you want to experience it more intimately and closer, then we’ve also given you some information on buying fireworks and how to use them safely.
Use the links below to take you to the relevant part of the page:
Local firework displays
Buying fireworks
Safety rules for fireworks
Local firework displays
Wigan fireworks display
Takes place on Sunday 4th November at Haigh Woodland Park. The event will run from 4pm – 7pm and consists of a Super Hero V Princess Show, creatures from the Blackpool Lagoon, live music, firework display from the Nation Firework Champions – SM ART Pyro, and more. Booking tickets early is advised but you should also be able to pay on the night.
For more firework displays around Wigan: https://www.wigan.gov.uk/News/Whats-on-Wigan.aspx
Liverpool fireworks display
Takes place on Sunday 4th November along the River Mersey. Although the fireworks display starts at 6.30pm, people are advised to get to the Albert Dock from 5pm. Free entry.
For more firework displays around Liverpool: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/bonfire-night-season-2018-fireworks-15252369
Wirral fireworks display
Takes place on Sunday 4th November along the River Mersey. Although the fireworks display starts at 6.30pm, people are advised to get to New Brighton from 5pm. Free entry.
For more firework displays around Wirral: https://wirralweather.com/2018/10/18/bonfire-night-2018-when-and-where-to-see-a-firework-display-on-wirral/
Manchester fireworks display
Takes place on Monday 5th November at Heaton Park. Boasting the biggest bonfire in Manchester, the bonfire will be lit at 7.30pm followed by fireworks, and a funfair running till 9.30pm. Parking is limited at this site, so the public are encouraged to use public transport. Free entry.
For more firework displays around Manchester: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/bonfire-night-fireworks-near-me-15292075
Buying fireworks
Who can buy fireworks?
Adults over the age of 18
What are firework categories?
There are 4 categories of fireworks, numbered 1 to 4. Category 1, 2 and 3 can be bought by public whereas category 4 fireworks are for sale only to firework professionals.
Category 1 fireworks – Are indoor fireworks, such as sparklers.
Category 2 fireworks – Are outdoor fireworks that do not scatter debris beyond 3 metres and must be safely viewable from 5 metres away. These are usually set off in gardens and common category 2 fireworks include wheel spinners and volcanoes.
Category 3 fireworks – Are outdoor fireworks that do not scatter debris beyond 20 metres and must be safely viewable from 25 metres away. These are usually set off in large open spaces such as school playing fields or parks.
Safety rules for fireworks
BS 7114
Only buy fireworks with the British Standard Kitemark BS 7114. You can/should find this on the firework selection box and the firework themselves. This means the firework has been tested and the safety instructions given are approved.
Distance
Whilst it is not illegal for a firework to be set off less than the minimally recommended safe viewable distance (often found on the firework and the firework packaging); in the event an injury arises to a spectator, the person who set off the firework may be liable if the distance was too short.
Alcohol
Don’t drink alcohol and set off fireworks. The same applies for bonfires. Alcohol is flammable so you run the risk of burn injuries if something goes wrong, especially when you are a drunk.
Instructions and misuse
All fireworks contain safety information about how to use the firework, where to use it and where not to use the firework. It is the firework setter’s responsibility to ensure this information is read and followed before releasing the firework. Again, any firework injury related to the misplacement or misuse of the firework will be the fault of the firework setter and not the manufacturer.
Never go back
Once the firework has been lit, never go back even if the firework hasn’t gone off. Don’t go back to check as the firework could still explode.
Don’t give sparklers to children
The majority of sparkler injuries happen to children between the ages of 5 and 14 years. Whilst we can’t stop you from letting your children play with sparklers, we would highly recommend you do not give sparklers to children under the age of five. Please supervise your children and always keep a bucket of water nearby as a precaution.
Image source
1. Pexels; Anna-Louise; https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-fireworks-1387577/