2004 firework thread
 

Well, only two weeks to go and there's been hardly a pop or a whiz round here.

Could be a short thread this year methinks ;)

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Ah the legislation changed didn't it. Can't set them off after 11:00pm, except on 5th November itself (and othe specific celebration dates like new year or certain multicultural dates). Most boringly, the big bangs have been capped at 120dB :( which no doubt is of no interest to the yoblets :)

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Erm we've been hearing the odd firework here and there for about a week now :( Either that or there have been several shootings in the area that we aren't aware of :erm:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

A useful resource ;)

http://www.dti.gov.uk/ccp/topics1/fireworks.htm

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

I can't say as I've heard any popping off around here

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

it's complete madness selling this crap to the general public. there should be organised displays only.

if lads want to blow things up they should join the army!

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

The schoolkids started letting them off at cars here 3+ weeks ago, probably get 100+ a day.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Only had a few go off around here and those have only been in the last week. Normally, it starts about early October.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Couple of weeks ago had just stepped out of the front door when I was accosted by the dodgiest looking chav/scrote type who was clutching a Netto carrier bag stuffed with fireworks. "Want any fireworks luv" he says "big bangers here". Well out came my best Hyancinth Bucket impression, "don't be ridiculous" and scurried off to my car. He looked the type that had probably made them in his bedroom with some washing up bottle and sticky back plastic. So I'm anticapting some fun and games come 5th November cos no doubt the local chav population will have parted with their hard earned benefit money to mr banger man :rolleyes:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Had plenty go off last night. Couple of actual fireworks and quite a few that sounded like bombs, the windows shook so they must have been near by.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

No it isn't.

What completly biased tosh. My family has enjoyed a bonfire party (and new year celebations) with a fireworks display provided by myself for something like 10+ years now. It really makes me mad that people seem to class everyone who buys fireworks as some sort of explosive mad yob. :grind:

Oh, and for the record - we have heard a couple so far this year.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Ban them and be done with it. If you want a party on Nov 5 have one without fireworks or have your party at an organised display.
why the hell anybody would want something as dangerous as explosives around their family anyway is beyond me.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

where in there did I say everyone who buys fireworks is a yob? dont jump to conclusions.

I am mearly expressing the point that selling to the general public is as safe as handing over explosives to anyone over 18 at your local shop.

Round here selling fireworks to people is like offering the keys to the local brewery.


I dont know but Paul appears to be passionate about being allowed to do it.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

This year will be the first in 11 years that we haven't done a family party.

But a couple of near misses last year put a stop to that. (Not that we were reckless or stupid with them). We just thought that was a bit close for comfort when a couple didn't explode high enough in the air. :Yikes:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

To be fair Paul - I do not think etc, was.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

No.
I assume you stay well away from cars etc, which are full of highly explosive petrol.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

http://www.saferfireworks.com/statistics/uk2003.asp


the thing about fireworks is they are weapons in the hands of some people - at least with cars you can see it coming!

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

You said it's madness selling them to the public "if lads want to blow things up they should join the army!" which seems to imply to me that you think everyone who buys fireworks is a lad who wants to blow things up. I'm apologise if that's not what you meant, but perhaps you should have been clearer in your statement.

Yes I am. Home fireworks displays are one of the few things I really enjoy doing each year and I get extremly fed up of the moaners classing people who enjoy them with the odd idiots who misuse them.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

I would say though that there is more misuse than actual correct use. That's why fireworks are seen as a menace, because for four weeks before and couple of weeks after bonfire night, in the past - all its been is a big nuisance and when it becomes constant like that, its just one big irritation and the enjoyment has been lost because of this for most people.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

I assume you would be ok if people started shooting guns outside your house.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Fireworks are an extremely antisocial way of enjoying oneself.
One person's enjoyment is hundreds (or even thousands) of people's misery.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

I wouldn't say that, and certainly not round here there isn't.

Anyway, I'm going to try leave this thread alone for now because this is just going to wind me right up :disturbd: - meaning I might get carried away and do something I shouldn't. :erm:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

I think the problem is, if it was restricted to 1 specific day of the year ie. nov 5th then people like Paul could have their fun while the rest of us can live in peace for the rest of the year. That's how it was when I were a teenager - now it's open season from Sept onwards!



I was going to make the point before that we dont sell guns in this country for recreational use (shooting at tin cans etc) cos we know they open to abuse. The same should go for fireworks.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

I can see where Paul is coming from, here, especially as, like Etc. says, it is restricted to the one night of the year. I am quite prepared to accept that Paul is the kind of guy to conduct his home display in the utmost safety.

Unfortunately, the trend over the last few years has seen more & more powerful fireworks being available for sale over an extended period. This has meant that at this time of year, for hours on end, for weeks at a time, the ground shaking explosions have terrified animals & upset people.

I like fireworks, I have fond memories of our own 'displays' in the back yard with a pack of 'Brocks' - but the selfishness of a minority has spoilt that ideal, hence the current restrictions. :shrug:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

surprisingly enough it has been quiet around here so far , it is even more amazing considering 2 fireworks shops have oopened up within a quarter of a mile from here , why the council felt the need to all two so close to each other is beyond me :confused:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Come to think of it I haven't seen ANY fireworks on sale in sunny Sandy this year - maybe that's why it's so quiet on a night :)

My missus is taking out boy up to the local (scout) big firework display - the site where I work is situated next to where it's being held - so I'm getting a free show at work that night.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Also, I think you only have to see or experience the horrific results of a firework accident just once to see why they really should be banned outright. Too many people think it won't happen to them. You can reduce your risk significantly by following the rules but, as you'd expect with any chemical reaction in a man-made package, it is sometimes completely beyond your control and innocent people who have nothing to do with your party get very badly hurt.
When you send your kids to school and they do chemistry then, as you'd expect, even the most slighty reactive experiments require goggles etc and/or a fume cupboard yet we allow people to buy and set off explosive chemicals a few yards away in the back garden with no real legal requirement for any protection whatsoever.
The widespread availabilty of dodgy chav fireworks make the situation worse.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Oh go on you chicken. You know you really want to. ;).

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Not a peep from any of the usual antisocial mob round here.I wonder why?They have never struck me as the sort that would OBEY any rules let alone new ones.

I think it's a plot of some sort. :erm:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

just the odd bang in the distance, probably in the village, but nothing local apart from that massive clap of thunder or two yesterday (Thursday afternoon). I have noticed an increased police prescence [sp] in the early evening, maybe something to do with it.

The local lads in blue are always out late on for the drunks so maybe the bosses have stopped them playing scrabble in the canteen before they go out on drunk patrol and sent them out to catch any chav/ettes being naught with firewqorks.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

I am in two minds about fireworks. Yes, I enjoy firework displays (my cousin usually puts on an excellent display each year). I have even been known to let off a few my self (it can be quite fun standing there for 5 minutes trying to light a rocket, only to have to run like hell when it ignites).

But, I can see the dark side. There are a LOT of people, young and old, who are terrified of fireworks. A lot of animals (both domestic and wild) are also terrified.

In recent years, we have had fireworks every weekend from about february on, hell, last year I even saw people firing rockets at our local safeways from one of the flats opposite. Luckily, the store was closed, and no one was injured.

I personally think the government is right to control the supply of fireworks.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

we av ad loads round ares there well cool some of me mates mums and dads have been settin some of as well :devsmoke:
:angel:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

I was not talking specifically in any one location, I am mean throughout the UK, it has known to be a problem, why else would the government have introduced new laws otherwise? :)

Edit: Welcome to the site Kay. :welcome:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Well i've noticed that Asda have fireworks for sale......... only saw them yesterday :shrug: Didn't notice if there were any conditions of sale apart from the obvious ones concerning age.

I'd noticed it being particularly quiet this year....... but there is still time!! Diwali falls on November 11th this year....... so perhaps that's why. We still have the weeks of explosions and bright lights to come ;)

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Unfortunately the minority once again do their utmost to spoil things for the majority. We can go down the route of nanny state, legislating for everything until there is nothing left to enjoy. Or we can attempt to educate, and persuade to change behaviour patterns, and avoid Big Brother knows best syndrome. And for those who say education doesn't work, look at the commonly accepted view that drink driving is unacceptable (except a certain small hardcore of idiots), yet once it wasn't an issue.

Fireworks can be dangerous, even in the hands of the responsible, but if one is aware that there is a risk, and makes the choice to accept that risk, is it really reasonable to say a member of the public should not hold their own firework party? Life without any form of risk to many would be extremely tedious.

Abuse of fireworks is undoubtedly a significant issue. Too many are now disturbed for many nights in a row by the indiscriminate use of fireworks. Over the last few years it has become the norm for fireworks to serenade any form of celebration. As more bang for your buck garden display fireworks have become more common, so this frequent disturbance issue has become more problematic.

Legislation that fireworks may not be used after 11:00pm, except for special occasions is in my view reasonable. Indeed I am not convinced that even on the 5th November there is a need for the time relaxation, Bonfire Night itself is not exactly marking a specific time, unlike certain other events like new year. However one does wonder how well this time constraint can be enforced, and by whom. By the time most police or other agency arrives on site, the evidence will literally have gone up in smoke.

Perhaps a large part of the problem is the changing British social scene. Even organised displays are now frequently scheduled for weekend dates either side of the actual 5th November event, so as to allow for maximum attendance. This attitude to moving events to when they are best for the organiser and attendees, rather than being restricted to the exact date is happening at all social levels. It is thus hardly surprising that we get the barrage of fireworks over a long period.

Maybe a sensible option would be to better control the point of sale of fireworks. We are seeing a trend towards specialist shops selling, rather than the corner newsagent. Perhaps all vendors should be better licenced and controlled, rather like we do with off licences, so that there is reduced accessibility to the firework by the under age idiots who will persist in letting the things of in stupid locations. Certainly the specialist shops I go to appear responsible, even to the extent of helping to work out a good variety range, describing the appropriate effects, so as to enable a vibrant effective party display.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Good points, all round, there, MGP - especially the one about events becoming 'moveable feasts'. :tu:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Have heard them for the past two weeks now.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

but dont you think it would be better for all concerned to restrict them to only a couple of nights a year , i know i do ;)

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

:D Well like everything else these days it seems the event known as †œbonfire night or guy fawkes nightââ‚ƚ¬Ã‚ÂÂÂ� has been sensationally commercialised.

Not so long ago most people were aware that the 5th November was the day for this but unfortunately not anymore as from as early as October kicks in we get to endure outside most shops the constant cry of †œpenny for the guyââ‚Âà ‚¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ÂÂ� from the little chavs trying to scrape together enough for a pack of 10 fags.

It seems year after and year there are more and more accidents and children being injured and burnt by these and the tougher the restrictions get makes no odds as they still somehow find a loophole and way to get them.

I am not against them as long as it is a properly organised display which is far better value for money than the usual crap selection boxes they sell in supermarkets etc nor am my against an organised display at the home on the night in question as this can be done exceptionally well with usually the viewers behind a window or a safe distance back in big garden but what ****es me off is the fact that some people think letting these things off for 1 month prior and 1 month after is fair game as I do not enjoy watching my dog cower under the table unexpectedly.

I have to admit myself I do take my nieces to a properly organised display and enjoy that but it is the little scrotes that throw them around in public places or residential areas that need sorting out.

In one respect I welcome the laws to reduce the loudness of them but on the other respect feel sorry for the people living in the houses in close vicinity to the Rugby Club that holds our annual display as they and their pets will bear the full brunt all be it for one night only.

Myself here have to be very careful on the night as my partner is Catholic although not a dedicated practising one, but has on occasions questioned why myself go along with her Sister and children to in effect celebrate a foiled assassination attempt to murder the then Government in attempt to replace them with a Catholic regime which in essence is what Mr Fawkes did attempt to do.

It is a pity though that dog and other animals cannot seem to grasp the timings of these as my own dog nearly 3 year old German Shepherd is fine with the sound of my shotgun going off in a field miles from any houses and in the same field yet as he I suppose he can distinguish that the large pointy thingy in my hand is soon to be making a rather loud bang but yet when a firework goes off outside of the house he cannot distinguish and obviously treats this as a threat to his normally quiet habitat and retreats cowering under the table.

I cannot say I am in favour of a ban but the restrictions they have adopted seem to be a step in the right direction by reducing the noise levels and the hours and the times of year they can be used.

If only they could enforce it a little better so that it does not have to be endured from October to Mid November then I guess this would make a lot happier.

In closing I should add though in fairness as my post only refers to November 5th I also would not object to other recognised events for the day celebration i.e. New Years Eve and Diwali.

:D

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

we had a 20 min session of explosions last night from 12.15am

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Still no sight or sound of them.I thought Gosport was Chav Central too so I'm wondering if they are planning some really organised do for the actual night.


The thought makes me want to leave town. :erm:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Several bangers and rockets a night for about the last week around here, but we do live in Chav Central. :rolleyes:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

There were a couple of bangs around here last night - but it's still very quiet overall.

I think the local's are saving themselves :)

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

I hear on the local grapevine that the locals were busy last night firing rockets at each other!!!

Also what's stupid is that there a few people letting them off right now - during the DAY...

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

My local shop keeper is not selling any this year - he said alot of the bigger louder fireworks are banned and the smaller firework selection boxes aren't worth selling....

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

It's got to the point with me where (unless the person injured was a complete and utter innocent bystander), I have absolutely no sympathy whatsoever for people who get injured by fireworks.

Ban selling them to the general public, I reckon. Trying to have a quiet cosy night in on saturday was completely ruined by retards who think letting off fireworks on any other night than 5th Nov or NYE is big and clever... :afire:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

I agree - don't play with fire unless you know what you are doing.
For once we disagree ;)

Firstly it is common for some religions to celebrate certain festivals with fireworks, and I have n o issue with that (as long as it is not at one in the morning)
Secondly, having a firework display on the 5th is ok - but if it is a weeknight, I would rather do it the weekend before/after, as this is more sociable.


I often help my old next door neighbour to run a small diaplsy in my old street - his firm buys the fireworks and to or three of us run the show ond set them off.
It is done at the local football club, and safety is a major concern.

We have never had an injury, and everyone enjoys the evening.

why should we be stopped from doing this just because some oiks want to throw bangers at each other ?

Like anything else - fireworks are relatively safe when handled properly (bound to be the odd dud made in the millions).


I'm sure we had a discussion about this last year, and I think that the best way would be to only sell them to people who are licensed to use them - meaning that people who want to can go and prove that they can handle them safely.

I am not assuming that because they are licensed they will behave correctly (after all - Michael Ryan had a shooting license) but at least there will be some measure of control.
Break the rules - lose you license (as well as any other criminal charges) and never be able to buy fireworks again.

As ever - just my 2c.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

As I have often said, only sell them by credit card, this forces you to be at least 18, and makes all purchases traceable. I also don't agree with supermarkets & corner shops selling them - but this is not the same as banning all the public from buying them. FYI: I paid £70 to go on a training course for doing your own displays.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Sounds like you and I agree...

Out of interest - can you PM me the details of the course, I may well do it myself ?

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

That's a good idea, but it doesn't stop parents buying fireworks and giving them to the kids. And yes, I know parents that do this.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

This is so weird.Not a peep or any kind of sound here in the outskirts of chav suburbs.

However I believe there are few organised displays today,tomorrow and at the weekend.Why?Its only the 28th of OCTOBER today!

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

We have a big display (or two) to watch this weekend - it's the American Adventures end of season displays.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Some jackass just let one off here. I mean, midnight?

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Have a good fireworks night people.
I'm going to a free display at a park nearby. Its not all the time you have free events these days. Its normally pretty good fun.

Have a great night.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

if you know who it is/was - report them as it's illegal after 11pm except on certain dates.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

I'm off out to set mine up shortly.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Set up?! :Yikes: That must be some back garden display you're planning :D

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

I do the job properly - it takes me about an hour and a half to set it all up. :)

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Anyone near me (Addlestone, Surrey) put your ear defenders on Saturday night. The size of the things you can buy now from the specialist shops, it's going to be a "there goes the neighbourhood do", literally :D

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Dunno if this has been mentioned here but I was reading that insurance companies are bracing themselves 'cos tonight and tomorrow night are always the worst nights of the year for burglaries. Everyone is out at a display and the **** go round breaking in. It's even been known for them to break in at the front while the family is in the back garden........

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

That'll give me something to think about while I'm at work :(

All the family are coming up to work as right next door is a REALLY big display (Which is why I'm at work in case the place catches fire).....

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Well, I went to Tesco at lunchtime and bought a wee box for our wee man's first back garden fireworks display. He was in bed fast asleep last year, but now he's two years old it's past time he learned how to set fire to stuff :D

I got their smallest box (cos he is still a small boy), which is pleasantly stuffed with fireworks for a bargain £10, and came with a free pack of rockets. I was amazed when the assistant shoved the rockets into the bag, they're huge. I was expecting the freebies to be a pack of screamers or something. We is gonna have fun :D :D

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

You been having language lessons to prepare for your impending move?

:D

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

I've been getting language lessons off Mrs T for the past five years ... Jr Towny is even more amusing, his vowels are all Glaswegian. :D

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Many moons ago when my Dad had a job in a bank, burglurs broke in and no one did anything becuase when the burglurs detonated explosives to get in, everyone thought it was fireworks.


I think there is an art in firework displays. Its a matter of creating a mood and a journey and by combining it with the approriate music you can choregraph a whole sound to light production.
Stick a few lasers and use the smoke from the fireworks and you can create some great effects.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Just come home from my fireworks outing at the local park.
It was free, there was lots of people, lights glwoing in the trees, it was magical.
I love this time of year.
As for the fireworks,,..... Absolutely briliant. HUGE BANGS and a sky so lit up it was fantastic.
I hope everyone else had a good time.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

No music or Lasers i'm afraid - but we had a good time. :D

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

went to the big uni firework display last night. 20mins of loud bangs and bright light, great :D

only problem was, they hold a funfair at the same time. pikeys and gyppos everywhere :(

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

What's wrong with having a funfair there? It adds to the fun.

Is it that you didn't win a goldfish? ;)

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

i didnt go on anything, they might have not put the nuts and bolts in properly ;)

had to chuckle though, they had a dartboard game like the one in phoenix nights....:erm:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

humbug---ban 'em all!!!!!

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

i think if fireworks were banned i would end up making my own....i have basic knowledge of how certainl chemicals work together :) :disturbd:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Twas like World War 3 had kicked off round here tonight. The things being let off by neighbours behind me were something else. Still my turn for revenge pyrotechnics tommorrow night :devsmoke:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

This is what I had today, with some of them set-up in the garden, and finally the big wheel going at full pelt.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Remind me to get you a dustpan and brush for chrimbo, something for your mates to sweep your bits up in :p:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

It usually goes in phases

- immediately when it gets dark

- after people have got home & had tea & do the back yard display

- the 'public' displays

this gets us to about 9 at night

after that, in recent years, it has been down to who has got the nearest to a minor earthquake - it will be interesting to see what happens, tonight, as overall, l think, firework activity has been noticeably reduced this year :erm:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Nitric Acid and Glycerin :disturbd:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Looks great! :)

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Just heard a massive BOOOOOOOOM !!! just now.
So loud !!!

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

pfft, amateur ;)

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

they have be going off left right and center here tonight, the fireworks continue to do so.

thankfully into no buildings ;)

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

:D

Sodium Nitrate is a fertiliser isn't it? Add powered Aluminium/Magnesium/charcoal and you're away. Just don't blame me when you're injured ;)

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

At the moment got one missing cat, two dogs panting like they need life support and one tiny terrier climbing the back fence having the time of his life killing the bangs.

spose it sums it up, great for one person, hell for the rest!

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

After the expected noisy early evening it's now all quiet.It's been a much better season this year.

Much more enjoyable and hopefully after this weekend that will be the finish and tkiely's terrier will have subdued all the bangers. :D

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Iodine & ammonia makes purple bangs ;)

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Powered Strontium makes red if I remember correctly :)

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

and Cobalt is blue?

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

:tu:

Calcium salts/Iron for orange-red/gold and Barium salts for yellow-green.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

I can see we will be a few members short soon, last seen after a coloured flash .....

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Strontium Nitrate.
Nice and crimson, however, I do advise against using it in a rizzler as a fuse when you run out of blue touch paper, especially if the person who rolled it then forgets and thinks it's a fag (oh dear oh dear oh dear what a wazzok he was)

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Some people must spend a fortune on fireworks they've been going off all night - Got fed up and grabbed the camera to see what I could do...

These are taken through my study window on a table top tripod using a Canon G3

EDIT - Oops lets remember to add images!

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

I took my boy to work to see his first display, he loved it :)

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

We did indeed. Didn't phase him one bit. Just shouted bang when they exploded!!! :D
Mrs Dilligaf liked them too!!!! :)

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Hmm, now suffering from headache and ringing in ears after the excessive size of some of the stuff that went up in smoke from my back garden earlier. :erm: I won't say how much I spent but when the shop gave me one firework worth £40.00 just a a discount, it'll give you a clue that it was a serious amount. Still, it seemed to silence the neighbour's whose pitiful "sparklers" paled into insignificance. And the cries of "more, more" from the invited audience suggested a high level of enjoyment.

Roll on 2005 :)

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

I spent about £250 this year. My neighbours can all be seen at the windows watching :)

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Crikey !!! £250 !!! Thats loads !!!

What on earth did you buy ? A Nuclear missile ?

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Pfft, was that all. The ground was shaking when I set off these last night.

Ooooooh now that would make a big bang :disturbd:

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

Nope, I had some left over from last new year, as rain stopped play.

I usually spend about £350 - £400. Some of the bigger ones are £30 - £40 a go.

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

I hope you live in the park because they don't look like garden fireworks to me. I also think that size and amount of fireworks is why they should be banned, they are completely excessive for a domestic back garden.

Mod Edit (Matt D) - Comment about reps removed. Please do not discuss red reps in public

Re: 2004 firework thread
 

With reference to size suited for garden fireworks, may I suggest a google for reference to what the standards actually mean? There are two main categories, 5m distance and 25m spectator distance. Most of the "big bang" cakes i.e. multifunction fireworks that can be purchased in teh many open to public specialist firework high street shops, fall into the latter category. They are very much still intended for the private display, if you have enough space.

What surprised me, with a number I bought, was the apparent volume. I had thought this year that the decibel level had been reduced by legislation. If so, the stuff I got, from a reputable store, possibly didn't comply. As it was, to minimise annoyance I made a point fo starting my display reasonably early at 7:30 so it was all done and dusted by 9:00 (even with a break).

Fireworks are part of our culture. As with everything over the last few years they've got better as manufacturing costs and standards move on. I readily accept not everybody enjoys them. But there are many aspects to life that not everybody enjoys. We can be stuffed shirts and ban all fun, or we can live with a little tolerance to each other and accept that means a little disturbance from time to time.