Fireworks and the law
What time can fireworks be used? Fireworks can be used in the UK any time from 7am to 11pm.
Exceptions are:
- Bonfire night: 7am to midnight
- New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year: 7am to 1am the following day
Categories of fireworks
- Category one - ‘Throwdown fireworks’ including firecrackers, bangers and party poppers
- Categories two and three - ‘Adult fireworks’ available in shops
- Category four - Professional display fireworks available from specialist suppliers
Who can use fireworks?
According to The Fireworks Regulations 2004 and the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015:
- Anyone over 18 can buy, carry or use category one, two and three fireworks
- Anyone over 16 can only buy, carry or use category one fireworks
- Anyone over 12 can buy Christmas crackers
- Only licensed professionals can buy, carry and use category 4 fireworks
- Unless part of an organised event by licensed professionals, fireworks cannot be used on the street or in a public place
- It’s an offence to throw or set off any firework (including sparklers and category 1 fireworks) in or into any highway, street, thoroughfare or public space