It’s time! Your guide to a safe and spectacular Bonfire Night…

1st Galaxy 9

The biggest day of the year for fireworks (apart from NYE, of course) is just around the corner. If you’re hosting a fireworks event for Bonfire Night, now is the time to do your last-minute preparations and make sure that everything’s in place for a memorable and magical evening.

The fireworks

Even if you know they’re stored somewhere safe, it’s a good idea to check that your fireworks are all accounted for and that they’re dry and in good condition, before the big night. Read through the firing instructions with your team, so that everyone knows exactly what they’re doing in advance of the show.  You may also want to revisit timings and the pacing of the display to make sure it works for the audience, and perhaps prepare music if there’s going to be any gaps in the display.

The site

A site check is essential before a fireworks event, because you need to check that it’s safe for your team and for spectators. Mark out your firing and spectator zones, and where your bonfire will be lit. If you haven’t done this already, make sure you visit all neighbours to warn them of the event – as it will be loud and may disturb their children or pets. Crucially if you’re hosting a large event, you must let the council and local emergency services know.

Safety, staff and signage

Follow these tips to make sure everyone stays safe on the night:

  • Have a meeting with your team of helpers and volunteers, assigning jobs to everyone so that there’s no confusion as to who is doing what
  • Designate someone qualified as a first aider, as a fire marshal and as a parking steward, as well as a spectator steward
  • Make sure you have signage to direct people around the site, tell them where they are and aren’t allowed to go and provide them with safety advice
  • Double-check that everyone involved in the firing of the fireworks knows exactly what they’re doing. A written procedure is a good idea, one that lists the order of firing and also what you should and shouldn’t do during the display.

The aftermath

Many event organisers forget to put a plan in place for the clean-up of the site when planning fireworks displays, but it really is essential. You need to double and triple check that all fireworks and bonfire materials are fully extinguished, then disposed of safely and responsibly. Your team may need protective clothing, gloves in particular, and you may need to wait until the following morning for everything to be fully extinguished and cold. Ideally, your site should be left exactly as you found it.

Remember – it’s not too late to get professional advice or to order extra fireworks if you need them. You’ve just enough time to get in touch with 1st Galaxy Fireworks to add the finishing touches to your display. Best of luck and have a fantastic evening!