Fireworks are often used to help celebrate public and private events, including a number of traditional occasions.
However, although fireworks are intended as a source of excitement and enjoyment, they can also disturb and frighten animals and some people.
To help provide a balance in the use of fireworks, legal controls [External]| were introduced by The Fireworks Regulations 2004.
These controls make it an offence to possess fireworks in public if you are under 18 and to throw or set off fireworks in the street.
They also prohibit the use of fireworks between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., with exceptions for the following occasions -
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November 5th - until midnight
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New Year's Eve - until 1:00 a.m. on the following day
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Chinese New Year - until 1:00 a.m. on the following day
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Diwali - until 1:00 a.m. on the following day
These regulations are enforced by the police.
Follow these links for more information about firework safety [External]| and how to enjoy fireworks safely [External]|.
Always remember that special care should be taken with animals and pets whenever fireworks are expected to be used. For advice about protecting animals and pets from firewords visit the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals web site [External]|.