Host Your Own Fireworks Night

Step-by-step guide

Plan your garden fireworks display from scratch

Check the law first

In England, Scotland and Wales you can set off fireworks until 11pm most nights, midnight on Bonfire Night, and 1am on New Year's Eve and Diwali. You must be 18+ to buy and use fireworks.

Tell your neighbours

Give neighbours at least 48 hours notice — especially if they have babies, young children, anxious pets or PTSD. A quick knock or text goes a long way and avoids complaints.

Buy from an authorised seller

Only buy CE-marked fireworks from a licensed retailer. Avoid online marketplaces or unbranded products.

Prepare your launch area

Clear a large flat area away from buildings, fences, trees and overhead cables. Mark a safety perimeter. Have a bucket of water and a garden hose ready. Store unused fireworks in a closed metal tin.

Set up your display order

Read all instructions before you start. Plan your sequence — build from small to big, save your best for last. Lay fireworks out in order so you're not fumbling in the dark.

Light safely

Use a taper or long firework lighter. Light at arm's length, retire immediately, and keep spectators at the distances stated on each firework. Never return to a lit firework — wait 5 minutes, then soak in water.

Clear up safely

Soak all spent fireworks in water before binning. Don't leave debris on the ground — it's a hazard for children and animals the next day. Dispose of cold, wet fireworks in a sealed bag in your general waste bin.

Budget guide

What to expect at different price points

Budget	What you get	Duration
£50–£100	Selection box + a few rockets. Perfect for a small garden gathering	~5 min
£100–£250	Good mix of cakes, rockets, fountains and sparklers. Solid backyard show	10–15 min
£250–£500	Professional-grade consumer fireworks. Neighbours will notice	15–20 min
£500+	Consider hiring a professional display company for this budget	20–30 min

What to buy

Everything you need for the perfect fireworks night

✨

Giant Wedding Sparklers

50cm long-sparklers, burn for 2+ minutes. Perfect for photos.

~£12.99 / 10pk

Host Your Own Fireworks Night

Step-by-step guide

Budget guide

What to buy

Pre-display safety checklist

Host Your Own Fireworks Night

Step-by-step guide

Budget guide

What to buy

Pre-display safety checklist