How to enjoy fireworks safely

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at an organised display:

• Find out about upcoming fireworks displays - on the Time for Worthing website

If you do plan to organise your own fireworks event make sure you follow safety guidance and always supervise any children. 

For firework safety advice, including the firework code, see:

• Firework safety - on the RoSPA website

Buying and using fireworks

The Fireworks Regulations 2004 states that it is against the law for:

• anyone under 18 to have fireworks 
• anyone apart for professionals to have display fireworks 

Shops that sell fireworks must have a licence to do so, and they cannot sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18.

You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am. There are extensions for certain occasions, allowing you to set off fireworks until:

• midnight on 5th November
• 1am on New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali

These regulations are enforced by the police. You could be fined up to £5,000 and imprisoned for up to six months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also receive an on-the-spot fine of £90. 

Further information

• Fireworks - on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website
• Firework Safety Advice - on the UK Fire Service website

See also:

• Bonfires and smoke
• Halloween and trick or treating information and advice

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