Organising a fireworks display for Bonfire Night 2017? You’ll no doubt be making all of your last-minute preparations as we speak, from preparing the site to promoting the event.

Now is the time to run through an essential checklist of tips and considerations to make sure your event runs smoothly, safely and spectacularly. Here are 10 important questions to ask yourself as you plan the big night:

1. Have I read the instructions? Don’t wait until Bonfire Night to read the instructions for firing your fireworks, not only because it’ll be dark and difficult to see what you’re doing. Sit down and run through the directions now, so you know exactly what you’re doing when the time comes.
2. Have I got some water nearby? It’s always a good idea to have some water and a fire extinguisher on hand in case of embers, sparks or other unexpected issues.
3. Am I using an illegal category of fireworks? If you’ve somehow managed to get hold of Category 4 fireworks, you absolutely mustn’t use them at all. These are strictly only to be used by professional firework display organisers such as 1^st Galaxy Fireworks.. We recommend you report these or ask your local firework specialist for advice.
4. Is there enough space between spectators and the firing zone? Planning out your site properly is very important, and you must leave a safe distance between your audience and the space where you’ll set off the pyrotechnics.
5. Do my team know how long to leave a dud firework before approaching? If a firework doesn’t do anything after lighting, never approach it right away. Leave it at least 20 minutes and still approach with extreme caution.
6. Is everyone aware that they mustn’t smoke or drink when handling fireworks? Smoking near fireworks is extremely dangerous, as is a display being managed by anyone who is intoxicated. Tell the team or volunteers who are working with you to save the drinks until after the display.
7. Is my display planned for the right time? It is illegal to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am at any other time of the year, but on Bonfire Night the cut-off point is midnight. Make sure your display doesn’t fall foul of these rules.
8. Do I have a wet weather plan? If it rains on Bonfire Night, your display doesn’t have to be a washout. Follow these tips to keep your fireworks dry and make sure your spectators have somewhere to shelter.
9. Have I informed the neighbours? You don’t have to do this, but it is considered a courtesy to let people who live near the venue know about the display in advance. After all, pets and small children can be very upset and distressed by the loud noises of fireworks.
10. Do I have the right lighter? It is recommended to use a long-tipped lighter when lighting the fuses for your display, as this helps to protect your hands. You may also want to consider other personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and goggles.