Firework experts reveal their top tips for a safe bonfire night

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With eight Bonfire Night events across Greater Manchester cancelled by the city council, a fireworks expert has revealed their top tips for safely enjoying celebrations at home.

UK supplier of home-use and event fireworks, Fireworks Kingdom, predicts at-home displays will be more popular than ever before this year.

Last year the NHS reported 117 injuries - the lowest number of firework-related injuries since 2014, despite almost all celebrations occurring at home.

It follows an increase in the number of at-home firework displays since COVID restrictions prevented public displays last year.

Fireworks Kingdom hope this number can be reduced further with their garden display safety tips.

If you're hosting a garden firework display, they recommend only buying CW classification fireworks with 1.4 marked on them.

This indicates the fireworks are intended for the general public and are safe to use.

Fireworks Kingdom also advise keeping fireworks in their original packaging, and keeping fireworks set-up ahead of the event covered until the display.

Richard Hogg, shop manager at Fireworks Kingdom said: “Not every garden is suitable for hosting a display. Cut back on foliage and remove any branches or other obstructions over the firing site.

"Provide a minimum spectator distance of 25 metres, even if you’re using fireworks with smaller charges.

"And take note of the direction of the wind.

"Watch the fireworks from upwind of the display, and ensure the area downwind is clear of any flammable materials or property. If the wind changes, you may need to switch the display location, to ensure the area downwind of the display is suitable for falling debris and sticks."

It's also recommended to keep buckets of water on standby to douse any failed fireworks - and to only return to failed fireworks a minimum of 15 minutes after lighting them.

Further tips to have a safe Bonfire Night include:

Sparklers are another key ingredient for a fantastic Bonfire Night. However, they can burn at 2000 degrees - 20 times above boiling water - so need to be handled carefully.

Fireworks Kingdom recommends sticking sparklers in carrots for children, to prevent the risk of accidents and burns.

However, sparklers shouldn't be given to children under the age of 5.

Other sparkler safety tips include:

Hogg added: “Follow the rules in your area. Generally, you can set fireworks off up to midnight on Bonfire Night, and 1AM for New Year’s Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year. Outside of these dates, fireworks can’t be set off after 11PM.

“Give your neighbours plenty of notice and be respectful.

“Exercise caution, follow the fireworks code, and you will have a fantastic display at home.”