3 replies to this topic

[Pyro Harold]

Hi all,

 

Hopefully next year I will be travelling across Europe, I have always wanted to experience a Guy Fawkes night, as luck would have it I should be over there in November, I have some questions about Guy Fawkes night.

 

Do you need permits to buy consumer fireworks?

Are fireworks sold in the night or do you purchase them pre Guy Fawkes night?

Where are you allowed to let fireworks off, can they be in a park or oval, or must it be on private land?

Where are fireworks generally sold?

[Mortartube]

No permits are required to buy consumer fireworks. You must be 18 years old or over to buy them. If you look at the heading Supermarket Topic, (Under the consumer fireworks heading on here), you will probably see some leaflets from various retailers there which will give you an idea of the sort of range of fireworks you can buy. I would not advise buying from supermarkets but it gives you some idea of what is available. Many on here can advise of the best places to buy.

 

They are generally on sale from 2 weeks before Nov 5th and for a week afterwards.

 

It is illegal to let them off in a public place, (though some people do so). Stay on private land to be on the right side of the law.

 

The viewing distances for consumer fireworks are 5 metres and 25 metres, so it is wise to ensure that you can comply with those figures depending upon what you buy.

 

Supermarkets and some newsagents sell them. There are also specialised companies, You can have some items delivered to a UK address by courier.

 

The largest celebrations are in Lewes, East Sussex and regularly draw crowds of up to 60,000 (on a weekend) and have 5 different sites where fireworks are let off. (some need tickets purchased BEFORE the night). They always take place on Nov 5th unless the 5th falls on a Sunday. In that case they take place on the nearest Saturday to the 5th.

 

I hope you enjoy the UK. Where will you be based or will you be travlling around?

Edited by Mortartube, 16 November 2013 - 11:14 AM.

[Arthur Brown]

There are lots of "Town" firework displays, sometimes provided by the council over the week around 5th november, Don't take fireworks watch the display.

 

The traditional Bonfire Societies tend to be based round the county of Sussex, Again don't take fireworks watch the display.

 

Private firework displays may happen from 7AM to 11PM any day from private property. You can buy fireworks all year from specialist shops (you may have to go 20 miles) Many shops sell fireworks in the 5th November season.

 

You need to be 18 or over to buy or possess fireworks.

 

DO a LOT of planning and asking here. A Town firework display is the same in the UK as in many other countries but some of the odder and older traditions are totally unique to their town

Edited by Arthur Brown, 16 November 2013 - 12:24 PM.

[Pyro Harold]

Thanks for the replies, appreciate it.

I'm still in the planning of the trip, because I will be heading to a few countries in the EU I will be moving around a fair bit, but will be trying to see as much pyro related things as I can.