Firework displays should be enjoyable and spectacular occasions and are universally popular and often ensure a successful fundraising event.
However, Fireworks are explosive and incendiary devices burning at high temperatures which have the potential to cause damage and serious injury.
The following guidance is designed to help you organise a safe and successful event while meeting your legal obligations.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides comprehensive guidance on organising firework displays, available on their dedicated HSE's firework page.
For broader advice on running events safely, visit the HSE's event safety page.
Any event involving the general public, or any work activity, will be subject to requirements under Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
You need to carry out a suitable risk assessment prior to the bonfire/firework display to ensure that all hazards to safety are adequately controlled.
It is a legal requirement to document your risk assessment if you have more than 5 employees / volunteers / workers.
If your event will run without this number, then it is still recommended you document your assessments so that you can demonstrate compliance with the legal requirement and refer to them in case of complaint or incident.
Further guidance is available on the: HSE’s managing risks and risk assessment page.
Derbyshire County Council is responsible for licensing firework storage and checking firework safety to help protect the public when they buy fireworks locally and have put together a list of firework sellers they have checked and approved.
This list is updated as new licences are issued and can be accessed on the Derbyshire County Council fireworks page.
If you want to hold an event, you may need to apply for a Temporary Event Notice from our licensing team. You can find detailed guidance and apply via the Amber Valley Borough Council temporary event notices page.
It remains the responsibility of yourself as the bonfire/firework organiser to ensure that the proposed activities and practices are maintained in accordance with the relevant statutory requirements and applicable guidance.
Contact the team directly on 01773 570222 or email enquiry@ambervalley.gov.uk
