Fireworks in the UK: when you can set them off on Bonfire Night

On Thursday 5 November 2026, Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night) is marked across the UK. It is a good moment to recall the rules on using fireworks.

When fireworks are allowed

According to the UK government (GOV.UK), fireworks must not be set off between 11pm and 7am. There are exceptions:

• Bonfire Night (5 November) – the ban starts only at midnight,
• New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year – the ban starts at 1am.

You also must not set off or throw fireworks, including sparklers, in the street or other public places.

Buying fireworks and age limits

'Adult' fireworks (categories 2 and 3) can only be bought by people aged 18 or over. Category 4 fireworks are for professionals only. For private use, fireworks can be bought from registered sellers during three periods: 15 October to 10 November, 26 to 31 December, and 3 days before Diwali and Chinese New Year. At other times they are sold only by licensed shops.

Penalties

According to GOV.UK, selling or using fireworks illegally can lead to an unlimited fine and up to 6 months in prison. An on-the-spot fine of £90 is also possible. Oxford City Council, describing the same rules, gives the penalty for breaching the curfew as up to £5,000 or 6 months in prison. The police enforce the curfew.

What this means for you

The rules apply to everyone living in the UK. If you plan your own display in the garden, finish before midnight on 5 November, and before 11pm on other days. Do not set off fireworks in the street or in a park. Only people over 18 can buy fireworks. Oxford City Council also advises telling your neighbours, especially families with children, elderly people and pet owners, and keeping animals safely away from the bangs.