You might think that all you need for a fireworks display is a clear night sky and the fireworks themselves. However, you also need to have the right site. You need space, somewhere to store your fireworks, level ground and the right surroundings.

Space

Despite the popular belief that you can set off fireworks in your back yard, you actually need a lot of space to hold a fireworks display safely. This is because you need a ‘safe zone’ which separates your spectators from the firing zone. If something goes wrong, however small, you need to keep your spectators well back in case someone gets hurt. This zone protects everyone from sparks, misfiring fireworks and anything else that could potentially be dangerous.

You also need a lot of space to appreciate the fireworks properly. If your spectators are too close to the firing zone, there will be a lot of neck craning as everyone tries to see past the smoke straight up at the fireworks. Place them a little further back and your audience will have a perfect, unobstructed view.

Fireworks storage – do you have somewhere dry to keep them?

It’s important on any fireworks display site to have a safe, dry place in which to store them. If fireworks get wet, they won’t work (unless they’re a special water-resistant type). If they’re stored too near open flames or other sources of ignition, this could be very dangerous. You need to find the right place on your site to keep your stash safely.

What about your neighbours?

When organising any fireworks display, you need to be very considerate of your neighbours, especially if your site is surrounded by residential properties. You need enough space between your site and their houses, so neighbours don’t feel that your display is happening practically in their living rooms. So, with this in mind, don’t choose a site that is tightly squeezed in and surrounded by people’s homes. Your fireworks can upset pets and wake babies, so make sure you give your neighbours plenty of advance warning.

Level ground

Your whole site doesn’t need to be level all over (although it is safer and more pleasant for your spectators if it is mainly flat). However, you do definitely need level ground for your firing zone. If fireworks are set off on either dips or humps on the ground, they could easily fire off at the wrong angle. This could be dangerous, as well as ruining the look and impact of your display.

Ultimately, when choosing a site for your display, you should always have safety in mind. If you’re not sure whether your proposed site is suitable for fireworks, it may be best to consult a professional fireworks display organiser to get some expert advice. If you have considered the points above and you’re confident that your site is safe and ready for fireworks, then you’re fine to start planning!