Could Bonfire Night be the last with noisy fireworks?
Debate over fireworks noise
Traditional Bonfire Night sounds include bangers, rockets and screamers, but celebrations could sound different next year. The discussion centres on whether to reduce noise from fireworks available to the public.
The government has said a complete ban on public firework purchases would not be proportionate. Professionally organised displays could continue without a maximum noise limit, provided their sound levels were not harmful to human health.
Different views on a ban
Katherine Alderson, a dog owner in Clacton-on-Sea, told BBC Breakfast that fireworks were a recurring nightmare. She said displays should focus on lights and colours and suggested banning sales to the public.
Alan Friggieri of Combat Stress, a charity supporting veterans with PTSD, said fireworks can trigger distress. He recounted one veteran’s description of the sound, saying it brought to mind an AK47.
Association urges enforcement
Andy Hubble of the British Fireworks Association said displays had already become quieter and called for a balance that would avoid creating a black market. He also argued for stronger police enforcement of existing rules against antisocial behaviour.
Hubble warned that Ireland’s ban had led to a flourishing black market in firework sales. He said an underground market would make it harder for knowledgeable enforcers to test products.
Rules and safety advice
It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under 18, or to set them off after 23:00, with exemptions for occasions including Bonfire Night, Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year. Hubble said noisy products such as bangers, air bombs and screamer rockets had been withdrawn from sale.
Advice for pets includes securing the home, closing windows and letting dogs pace, hide or bark if they need to. Guidance for veterans includes reducing noise and flashes, using grounding techniques and reminding themselves they are safe.
Key points
- The government says an outright ban on public firework purchases would not be proportionate.
- Organised displays would have no maximum noise limit if sound levels were not harmful to human health.
- The British Fireworks Association supports enforcing existing rules and warns of black-market sales.
- A dog owner and veterans’ charity representative described the effects of fireworks noise.