The Queen's Platinum Jubilee will be marked by a bumper four-day Bank Holiday weekend. Brits up and down the country will be celebrating with street parties, garden get-togethers and extended trips to the pub.
The four-day weekend kicks off on Thursday, and there should be some pleasant weather on the way with temperatures up in the high teens in most places. Pubs and bars will also be allowed to stay open later than usual for three nights so people can raise a glass to the monarch, who has spent 70 years on the throne making her the longest-reigning royal the UK has seen.
Over the long weekend, more than 16,000 street parties are expected to be thrown across England. According to the Local Government Association (LGA), councils have received “a huge number” of applications from residents eager to throw a bash and many authorities have waived administration fees for road closures.
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As part of the nationwide celebrations, some people may be looking to set off fireworks - but there are important rules you need to know about if you plan on putting on a display of your own. Here's what you should be aware of, including when fireworks can be set off and who can buy them.
Where do you buy fireworks and who can purchase them?
Fireworks can be bought all year round, but you won't find them in supermarkets at this time of year. Licensed fireworks shops are the only places allowed to sell fireworks at any time. Other registered sellers are only allow to sell them in the run up to Bonfire Night, New Year, Diwali and Chinese New Year.
There are four categories of fireworks. Category one includes things like party poppers that you can use inside. Categories two and three include sparklers and the type of fireworks you can buy for private displays. Category four fireworks are only for professional use.
Category two and three fireworks cannot be bought by anyone under the age of 18 at any time of the year.
When and where can you set off fireworks?
The law states that members of the public must not set off fireworks, including sparklers, in the street or other public places such as parks. Organised displays must be permitted by the local council.
It is illegal to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight, and New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am.
How to stay safe when setting off fireworks
Manchester City Council urges anyone planning on setting off fireworks to follow the Fireworks Code.
The Fireworks Code
- Fireworks should not be sold to any person under the age of 18
- Attend an organised display
- Buy fireworks marked BS 7114
- Keep fireworks in a closed metal box
- Follow the instructions on each firework
- Light them at arm's length using a taper
- Stand well back
- Never go back to a lit firework
- Never put fireworks in your pocket
- Keep a bucket of water nearby if you are setting off fireworks in your garden
- Never throw fireworks
- Keep your pets indoors
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix and may lead to injury
If you plan on setting off fireworks you should ensure you are well prepared in advance. On the night you will need a torch, a bucket of water, eye protection and gloves, a bucket of soft earth to put fireworks in and suitable supports and launchers if you're setting off Catherine wheels or rockets, the council says.
Further information and safety tips can be found on the council website here.
