In the United Kingdom November 5th is associated with Guy Fawkes, and the conspiracy to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. In fact it is really a new format for a much more ancient tradition: one with its roots in the old pagan year which started on November 1, a date that also marked the first day of winter. Bonfires were lit, torches carried in procession and sacrifices made to drive away evil influences and uphold the fertility of the world. Festivals to mark the onset of winter, and celebrated with bonfires are associated with many religions and cultures around the world. Thus the pre-Christian Celts, Saxons and Vikings had their Festival of Light, and the Hindu celebration of Divali in late October is of growing significance in the UK calendar of celebrations.

Setting up:

Competent firers should be nominated. At least one should have some previous experience of firing large fireworks. All firers should be familiar with basic safety principles and preferably have seen a training video e.g. "Display Safe with Fireworks", available from the British Pyrotechnists Association.

The manufacturer's instructions should be read by the firers before the event, preferably in daylight. This is to ensure that all relevant information is available so that the display can proceed safely.

Where there are two or more firers, a firing plan is recommended and all firers should have a clear idea of what each will do during the display.

There should be no smoking while handling fireworks or in the firing area once fireworks are present.

Fireworks on frames must be carefully assembled and securely mounted as directed in their instruction. These fireworks should be handled delicately to avoid loosening or damaging their fusing. Where necessary frames should be securely fixed in position by stakes.

Roman candles etc. should be secured in an upright position as directed in their instructions. Supporting stakes should be placed on the spectator side of the firework to reduce the risk of the firework falling and shooting burning material at spectators.

Keep all pets in doors, Pets like Can & dogs will do not like fireworks sounds.

Firing:

Firers should wear suitable clothing including protective hat, goggles and gloves.

Only assigned firers should be allowed into the firing area. If there is no radio link one firer should be nominated to relay messages between firers and the person in overall charge of the display.

Firers should carry a torch and whistle to attract attention in the event of difficulty.

It is recommended that a slow burning lighter know as a 'portfire' is issued to ignite fireworks.

Matches should never be used.

Faulty fireworks:

A firework that fails to go off should be left for at least 30 minutes before being placed in a bucket of water.

Misfired or partly spent fireworks should be soaked in a container of water and the manufacturer or supplier contacted for advice on disposal.

Fireworks should never to put on the bonfire for disposal.

Fire safety:

Have equipment for putting out small fires (e.g. fire extinguishers, buckets or sand / water, fire blanket) in suitable locations on the site.

Ensure there are sufficient stewards trained to use the fire fighting equipment.

Have an emergency procedure outlined to deal with situations that might arise e.g. a bonfire out of control / fire started by firework debris.

Ensure the public are advised not to bring their own fireworks.

Access:

Ensure car parking is separate from the display area.

Keep the agreed emergency service access routes clear of obstruction and readily accessible at all times.

Ensure the access points are well signposted, lit, free from obstructions and trip hazards.

Provide at least two spectator exits from the site depending on the expected crowd numbers.

Crowd safety:

Provide an adequate number of stewards responsible solely for crowd safety. Make them easily identifiable.

Instruct the stewards in their duties e.g. emergency procedures, attention to controlling entry to spectator areas, avoiding overcrowding, keeping spectators out of the safety, firing and drop-out areas.

Stewards should be able to communicate with each other and the event management e.g. radios.

Provide torches.

Make every effort to start the display on time as crowd control becomes difficult the longer people are kept waiting. If a delay is unavoidable, tell the spectators at an early stage and keep them updated.

Ensure the emergency procedures address what to do in the event of crowd problems.

Additional guidance in crowd safety issues can be found in the publications given in the reference section.