James

Hi all,

I'm really hoping some of you can shed a light on all this. I understand in the USA it seems quite legal to do some personal pyrotechnic experimentation - there are many website supply raw ingredients. My question is regarding the UK specifically.

Some time ago I was in a position to set up my own fireworks display company - but finding the ACTUAL legal requirements for this were near on impossible - it was certainly impossible to get a concensus view of the requirements. The were conflicting answers from local council - the firebrigade and many other sources.

I have a heavily scientific backgroup (PhD in Biochemistry) and have always loved pyrotechnics. I have always wanted to make a 2" or so shell with blue stars/ willows (which I love when they have really long trails) and have always fascinated at the chemistry involved. Britain seems to have gone 'terror mad' and it's a real shame that politics in Britain seems to be excluding people with genuine intention to make some lovely home made fireworks.

My question is; it's really easy to get hold of KNO3, sulphur and carbon sources, and indeed a ball mill - the process of making black powder can be done quite safely with enough care - but IS THIS LEGAL IN THE UK?

I researched this some time ago and I did get a hint that making a small quantity WAS in fact legal - but there were no definates or documentation to say how much (at least as far as I could find). I was tempted to just make a bit and if the men with black coats turn up at the door - just see what happened next - as this seemed like to only REAL way of getting the TRUTH about whether it was illegal or not.

I'm a little bit older now, and more maturer and would love to do this as a little hobby - but I don't want a TERROR label on my head and get 'banged up'. Incidently I'm British born and would probably not get the racist-driven label as a terrorist.

However - is it true that in the UK we CAN legally make a bit of black powder - pack it into a tube with some glitter or something - make a fuse - pop it in - and enjoy a bit of home-made pyro.

If so - HOW much am I legally able to make? Frankly due to safety I would never make more than I need - so let's say I wanted to make a 2" shell with blue stars - would this be legal? Let's say I wanted to make a 4oz skyrocket - would that be legal?

PLEASE shed some light on this - as my hobby has been on pause for a very long time and I'd really like to develop this art form.

Best Wishes to you all, I look forward to your replies.

James

PS. All advice and information specifically to the above would be appreciated - also any information about clubs/ societies/ organisations that I should join would also be appreciated. I live in Manchester, UK