Can You Set Off Fireworks in Your Back Garden?
Fireworks have become synonymous with celebrations worldwide, but things can get a little more complicated when setting them off in your back garden. If you're planning on setting off fireworks in your back garden, there are several factors you need to consider to ensure that you do it safely and legally.
First and foremost, it's important to note that setting off fireworks in your back garden is legal in the UK, but only during certain times of the year. You can set off fireworks between the hours of 7am and 11pm, except on certain occasions. For example, on Bonfire Night, you can set off fireworks until midnight; on New Year's Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year, you can set them off until 1am.
It's also important to note that not all fireworks are legal to set off in your back garden. Do not purchase fireworks unsuitable for home use, such as those used in professional displays, cannot be legally set off in your back garden. So, if you plan on setting off fireworks, make sure you only buy fireworks suitable for home use.
Buying your fireworks from a licensed seller, such as us here at Galactic Fireworks is also important. Across all our products, we offer fully transparent information as to the category of the firework and, therefore, the minimum safety distance. In the UK, it's illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18, so make sure you only buy your fireworks from a reputable seller who can prove that they are licensed.
When it comes to setting off fireworks in your back garden, it's vital to ensure that you do so safely. This means setting up a safe distance between the fireworks and any buildings and ensuring that you have a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby in case of any accidents.
It's also important to take care when handling fireworks. Only one person should be in charge of setting off the fireworks, and they should always wear eye protection and gloves. It's also important to read the instructions carefully before setting off fireworks, and never throw fireworks or hold them in your hand.
Another consideration when setting off fireworks in your back garden is the potential impact on your neighbours. While it may be legal to set off fireworks in your garden, the noise and bright flashes of light can be disruptive to those living nearby, particularly to pets and young children. Additionally, if your back garden is close to a road or pathway, fireworks can be dangerous, as drivers or pedestrians may be distracted by the display and cause an accident.
It's important to minimize any potential disturbance to your neighbours. One way to do this is to inform your neighbours that you plan to set off fireworks and provide them with an estimated time for the display. This will allow them to prepare and make necessary arrangements, such as keeping pets inside or closing their windows to reduce noise. Additionally, be sure to choose a location in your garden that is as far away from your neighbours' houses as possible, to minimize the impact of noise and light.
It's also important to remember that setting off fireworks in your back garden comes with certain risks. While fireworks can be a fun and exciting way to celebrate, they can also be dangerous and cause injury or property damage if not handled properly. Before setting off fireworks, be sure to familiarize yourself with the instructions and take appropriate safety precautions, such as wearing eye protection and keeping a bucket of water nearby in case of a fire, also ensuring that you wear the correct firing equipment.
If you're unsure about the laws and regulations surrounding the use of fireworks in your area, it's essential to do some research and find out what's allowed. You may be required to obtain a permit or follow specific rules, such as only setting off fireworks within a certain time frame or using certain types of fireworks.
Ultimately, whether or not you can set off fireworks in your back garden will depend on a variety of factors, including local laws and regulations, the potential impact on your neighbours, and the level of risk involved. By taking the time to research your area's rules and regulations and taking appropriate safety precautions, you can enjoy a fun, and safe back garden fireworks display that everyone can enjoy.
In summary, while it is legal to set off fireworks in your back garden in the UK, there are several rules and regulations that you need to be aware of to ensure that you do so safely and legally. Always ensure you buy your fireworks from a licensed seller, only set off fireworks suitable for home use, and take care when handling and setting them off.
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And other point of safety, NEVER ever ignore firework safety distances indicated on the packaging and fireworks.
If the fireworks you have say “Spectators must be at least 15m away” (as indicated on some F2 fireworks), or “Spectators must be at least 25m away” (as indicated on most F3 fireworks), then do not attempt to push it by purchasing or using F2 15m fireworks or F3 25m fireworks, which you already have, that are far too big and powerful for your outdoor space.
These things need a fairly sizeable garden or open space and fall out area to the rear free of any falling debris hazards like greenhouses conservatories parked cars garden sheds car parks etc, a built up residential area with houses all around isn’t really suitable for the use of F2 15m fireworks or F3 25m fireworks, as it could cause property damage with large falling rocket cases and sticks / cardboard debris and paper litter from cakes barrages, single ignition fireworks, and compound cake fireworks.
If you cannot get a 25m spectator safety distance from F3 fireworks or a 15m spectator safety distance from F2 fireworks, then go for less powerful 8m F2 fireworks and 1m F1 fireworks, as these are much safer with far less chance of property damage, the fall out is smaller and much less hazardous i.e. mainly soot from fountains and smaller card / paper debris from aerial fireworks.