Exact hours fireworks are illegal in UK as laws change on Bonfire Night

Around this time of year many people are planning their Bonfire Night parties and preparing their firework displays for friends and family.

Bonfire Night originated in 1605 after Guy Fawkes failed in his plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament, an event known in history as the Gunpowder Plot. If you are planning a Bonfire Night party and are busy preparing a firework display, here’s how you can stay on the right side of the law.

The laws around fireworks exist to protect people from harm and to avoid distress and nuisance caused to anyone. On Bonfire Night you can legally set off fireworks between 7am until 12am.

Read more: Greater Manchester Bonfire Night 2024 firework displays and events

Firework laws differ slightly for special occasions including New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year when fireworks are allowed between 7am and 1am. You must be 18 or over to purchase fireworks and it is illegal to set off or throw fireworks in the street or other public places.

You can only buy fireworks and sparklers for private use in the following dates:

15 October - 10 November

26 December - 31 December

Three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year

It is illegal to buy fireworks or sparklers outside of this time unless you buy them from licensed shops.

The government has warned that you can be fined an unlimited amount of money and imprisoned for up to six months for selling or using fireworks illegally.

Ensure your firework display finishes before 12am.

If you are having a bonfire, do not burn any household waste as this could result in a fine of up to £5,000 - burn only dry, unpainted wood.

Purchase your fireworks between 15 October and 10 November.

Be safe! Never go back to a lit firework, even if it hasn’t yet gone